**Image by Spikeshunny. Thank you so much Sweeite!**


Spike stood outside on the Summers’ porch waiting for Buffy to answer the door. He had a bag with their movies in one hand and the other bag had all of Buffy’s favorite ice creams and junk food.

When the door finally opened, Spike looked up to see Buffy standing there in tight black yoga pants and a small white tank top. Her face was clean of all makeup and her light golden blond hair was pulled in a messy knot on her head. Spike stood there for a moment unable to move. He decided at that moment she was the most amazing thing he had ever seen; not realizing he was staring at her until her voice broke through his thoughts.

“Hey, is everything alright, you look as though you might pass out or something.”

Spike just stood there and looked at his feet trying to look anywhere but at her emerald eyes. After what seemed like forever, Spike gained composure and followed Buffy in the house. She took the bags from him and went to put the ice cream in the freezer while Spike went into the living room and sat on the couch.

While Buffy was in the kitchen, she called out to him to see if he wanted something to drink.

“Yeah, I guess a soda would be fine.” Spike called into the kitchen.

Spike sat on the couch thinking about what just happened. When had Buffy had that kind of effect on him? Well the answer was, never. Not one day of their friendship of six years had he ever thought of her that way. Well that wasn’t completely true either. Spike had noticed that she was pretty, hell a blind man could see that, but it never really went past that, but for some reason Spike was beginning to see Elizabeth ‘Buffy’ Anne Summers in a whole new light. Spike thought about how close they were and all the stuff they had been through together. Whether it be bad break ups or parents divorcing they had been through it all. Buffy was the one person he knew he could always depended on no matter how bad it got, that’s why for these feelings to come over him bothered him all the more. He was afraid he would lose his best friend.

Buffy was in the kitchen making drinks lost in deep thought. Spike had been acting weird at school all day, like his mind was somewhere else. Then when she had answered the door he stood there like a deer caught in headlights. She wasn’t quiet sure what to make of all the things going on, but she was definitely going to get to the bottom of it. Spike had been her best friend since the seventh grade and now here they were in their senior year and had their dreams and future waiting just ahead of them. Buffy and Spike had a special relationship that no one quite understood but them, but here lately she was starting to get a little confused as to where the ‘relationship’ was going. Spike in so many words was hot, with his platinum blond hair that was always a tousled mess of spikes and curls to his god-like cheekbones. Then there were his eyes, eyes so blue that if you weren’t careful you would drown in them. She hadn’t noticed quiet how blue they were until tonight when he finally looked up from his feet and met her gaze. All that time and she just now realized that Spike was actually beautiful. ‘Whoa Buffy, where did that train of thought come from? Spike is your best friend he would never look at you like that, would he?’ Buffy silently chastised herself.

Buffy entered the living room with a tray filled with Buffalo wings, onion rings and their drinks. Spike smiled and said, “Ah, a woman after my own heart. When did you have time to make all my favs’ I’ve only been here a few minutes?”

“Well, I know how much you love all this stuff, so I put it in the oven before you got here.”

“Thanks luv, you’re the best. I’m glad we decided to spend tonight together ‘cause I can’t think of anyone I would rather be with right now!” Spike leaned over and kissed her on the cheek in appreciation and Buffy felt a warmth go from her face all the way to between her thighs. They sat in an awkward silence for a moment till it got to be too much and Buffy broke in, “Sooo…. What movies did you get? I hope they aren’t all scary cause you know I won’t be able to sleep especially with mom being out of town tonight.”

Spike looked at her confused for a moment. “Yeah didn’t I tell you? She had to go to L.A for the night. She will be back tomorrow around noon or so.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize we would be home alone that’s all.”

“Come on Spike, you act like we’ve never been home alone before. I think that a17 year old and an 18 year old adult can handle a movie night at home with no parental supervision,” Buffy stated some what confused, but decided to let it go for now.

“You’re right, well let’s get this movie night started!”

Two movies down and two pints of Ben and Jerry’s later, Buffy got up from the couch when Spike stopped her. “Where are you going?” Spike wondered anxiously

“Gotta go to the bathroom if you must know,” Buffy replied dryly.

“Sorry, just thought maybe you were getting tired or something.”

“No, I’m good; why did you want to go home?”

“No!” Spike said just a little too desperately

“Good. ‘Cause I’m not done with you yet, ah I mean, we still have a movie left and more junk food so you should stay, and I’m gonna shut up know!” Buffy didn’t know why but her reply came out a little more anxious than she would have liked. She just hoped Spike didn’t pick up on it.

Spike gave her sly grin and a small throaty chuckle. “You know you’re cute when you babble.”

Before Buffy could control her mouth she blurted out, “You think I’m cute? Spike just realizing what he had said just stared at her. Blue eyes met with green; staring at one another, unsure of what the other was thinking both too afraid to move for fear of breaking the moment till the phone broke the silence. Buffy jumped for the shrill ring and went to get the phone. Silently cursing whoever was on the other line she answered, “Hello. Oh hey Mom, how’s L.A?” Buffy listened to her Mom go on about the art show and what a great time she was having. Buffy was half listening to her mother because all her thoughts were on a certain blond that was sitting on her couch till her Mother broke into her thoughts.

“Buffy is everything alright?”

“Wha’, Oh yeah, just peachy with a side of keen, why do you ask?”

“Well dear, you just seem kind of off that’s all. Did William come over?”

“Yes Mom, don’t worry we will have the party cleaned before you get home.”

“That’s nice.” Joyce said off handedly. Then coming to the full realization of what her daughter had just said. “WHAT?” Joyce felt her heart stop beating in her chest.

“Kidding Mom.” Buffy let out a bout of laughter. As soon as she was able to compose herself she reassured her mother. “We were just watching movies when you called. That’s all. ” ‘and having stare fest 2002’, she thought to herself.

“Buffy that’s not funny! You almost gave me a heart attack! I want you to promise me you two kids will behave yourselves. I’ll be home tomorrow around noon or so.”

“Will do Mom, I love you. Have a safe trip home.”

“I will honey. I love you too, have fun. Goodbye!”

“Bye Mom.”

Before Buffy went back to the living room, she decided it best to go to the bathroom first so when she got back she and Spike could have a talk about what was going on. When Buffy got back from the bathroom, she found Spike deep in thought. She could tell because he had his face scrunched up in an adorable scowl. She sat next to him on the couch and put her hand on his knee. Spike almost jumped off his seat at her touch.

“Bloody hell woman. Give a bloke a heart attack sneaking up on him like that.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. You were just zoned out and I was trying to get your attention is all.”

“Well, you got it all right,” Spike grumbled.

“Are you mad or something, ‘cause you have been acting weird all day and then when you got here you were all stand offish and avoidy?”

“What are you talking about, I’ve been fine?” There was a touch of hesitation in his voice.
Spike knew she would eventually sense something was wrong, he just didn’t think she would bring it up tonight, or at least he hoped she wouldn’t.

“Spike I’m not stupid, I can tell when something is bothering you, and something is definitely bothering you. You know you can talk to me about anything no matter what it is right?” ‘Even when it’s about you?’ he thought.

Spike knew he could never tell her what was going on. She would freak out and he would lose her forever, so Spike did the only thing he could do right then. Lie to her. “I’m just worried about graduation and what I’m gonna do with my life is all.”

Spike kicked himself for lying to her but he couldn’t tell her now, this was supposed to be ‘friend’ night and him telling her that he thought he might be falling in love with her was not exactly the kind of thing you do on ‘friend’ night.

Buffy was not convinced and a little disappointed with his answer, but she let it go. “Well Spike, you shouldn’t worry about it so much, your test scores were through the roof, so you can pretty much get into any college in the US and some out of country. Besides it’s not like you’re stuck going to UC Sunnydale like me.”

“I wouldn’t mind going to UCS with you, then we could do college just like junior high and high school, together.”

Spike scooted closer to her on the couch and put his arm around her shoulder and his hand moved on its own accord to stroke her arm in a small figure eight pattern. Buffy laid her head on his chest and inhaled deeply. He smelled of Cool Water cologne, cigarettes, cinnamon gum, and something she could only recognize as Spike. They sat there for a moment just enjoying the feel of one another when Spike curled his finger under Buffy’s chin to look into her eyes. T he moment their eyes met, all conscious thought went out the window.

Buffy felt her breath catch in her throat when she met Spike’s gaze. She stared in his eyes for a moment till her gaze drifted to his full pouty lips. The only thing she could think of at that moment was how wonderful it would be to have those lips on hers. She unconsciously licked her lips and tried to steady her breathing from the closeness of him.

Spike just stared into her eyes and lost himself in their emerald depths. Not knowing what to do next, he just let his body take over and let it lead the way. When he saw Buffy’s bubble gum pink tongue sneak out and moisten her lips it took everything he had not to come completely unglued. Before he could process his actions, he lowered his mouth to meet hers.

Buffy was so caught up in her own thoughts of Spike’s full lips that she didn’t notice when he lowered his mouth to hers till she felt the jolt of electricity bolt through her whole body the instant his lips touched hers. Spike begged entrance of his tongue by brushing it across her lower lip. Buffy parted her mouth willingly and brushed her tongue against his. The kiss started slow and became more intense by the second. When they both were in need of a breath, they broke away from each other. Neither wanting to really break the kiss, they met for one more chaste kiss before reality set in. Looking into each other’s eyes seeing for the other for the first time, Buffy broke there silence.

“Oh my God, what was that?”


TBC

Buffy sat with her hand to her kiss-swollen lips. “Oh my God, what was that?” Her mind was going a mile a minute and she couldn’t complete a single thought. She looked up to see a very shocked Spike who was in no better shape than she was.

“Say something Spike because you sitting there not saying anything is wigging me out!” Her voice was panicked.

“Buffy…” was the only thing he could get out of his mouth, so Buffy decided it was best to start.

Taking on a calmer tone, she spoke, “Spike listen, I don’t know what just happened here but there has to be some sort of explanation. We got caught in the moment and things got carried away and we kissed. We can handle this like adults, yeah?”

“Buffy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Please don’t hate me.” He pleaded in sheer desperation.

“Spike, why would I hate you?”

“Because what happened was a mistake.” Buffy didn’t know if she should be relieved or pissed off that Spike thought it was a mistake, but her pride got the best of her and she went with pissed off.

“What!” she couldn’t hide the hurt in her voice, “You know what, I think I should hate you! Spike, I think you should leave!” her eyes were glassy with unshed tears.
Spike let out a frustrated sigh, “Buffy, wait I didn’t mean it like that, you took it all wrong!” He was desperately trying to backpedal.

“Oh really, how is a girl supposed to take it when a guy tells her it was a mistake that he kissed her!” Buffy was fighting the tears that were threatening to spill over. She didn’t know why but for some reason his words hurt her more than she wanted to admit.

Spike could see she was fighting tears and it was tearing him up inside. He had the urge to just go to her, throw his arms around her, and kiss her till she was limp in his arms. He wanted to tell her so much that that was the best kiss in his entire life and that she made him feel like only they existed. He was broken out of his tirade by the sound of Buffy’s voice.

“Spike, are you listening to me?” Buffy was at the end of her rope, she didn’t know if she wanted to beat him senseless or kiss him breathless, but before she could make up her mind Spike was crushing his mouth against hers in a desperate kiss.

Buffy didn’t have time to blink before Spike was crushing her lips with his. When oxygen became an issue, he pulled back just long enough to let her get air. Without another thought, he was bruising her with another kiss. Buffy was so caught up in the moment that she forgot that she was hurt by what he said. Spike pulled away from her mouth and trailed wet open-mouthed kisses down to her neck and collarbone. When Buffy finally found her voice she asked breathily, “Spike, what are you doing?”

“Why, do you want me to stop?” He managed to get out between nips and kisses on her neck. Waiting for her reply, he continued his ministrations. Buffy gave the only answer she knew was the right thing to say.

“No, dear God, please don’t stop.” It was almost a whisper and Spike wasn’t quiet sure he heard her right, but when her hands crawled up his back and tangled themselves in his hair he knew what she wanted.

Spike lead her to the couch, slowly laid her down, and looked in the eyes. “God, do you know how beautiful you are right now?” He rasped out in a lust-filled tone.

She smiled shyly at him and cupped his cheek to bring him down to kiss her. This time it was a slow languid kiss, not rushed or bruising, just soft and knowing.

Spike could feel himself spiraling fast into the abyss and he had to make sure that she wanted the same thing he did. He looked at her through hooded lust-filled eyes. “Buffy, is this what you want? Cause if it’s not, we should stop before it goes too far and I don’t know if I can stop.”

“Spike, what do you mean?” She had a slight look of fear on her face.

“No that’s not what I meant. It’s just I want you so bloody bad I can feel you in my soul, but if you want to stop we can. I would never make you do anything you didn’t want to; it’s just…I feel like I’m drowning in you Summers.” His voice desperate, but still filled with pure love and adoration.

Buffy reached up and ran her finger along his chiseled jaw in a line down to his full bottom lip where he grabbed her finger between his teeth in a playful bite. Buffy looked him straight in the eyes and with all the courage she could muster she told him what he had been longing to hear all night.

“Spike, I want you to be my first. I couldn’t imagine anyone else I would want to share that with. You have been my best friend for as long as I can remember and you know me better than anyone else in the world. I trust you and I know you would never do anything to hurt me.”

Spike was in awe, he didn’t know what to say. Here she was offering ‘HIM’ her most precious gift, her virginity. He didn’t say anything for a long moment, and Buffy was beginning to think that he didn’t want to. When Spike realized Buffy was looking at him with hurt in her eyes, he leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her lips to reassure her that he wanted her more than anything at that moment. Buffy felt herself relax with his soft kiss and knew that this was what she really wanted.

Buffy began to sit up on the couch and Spike thought she was trying to get away from him so he jumped off her as if she had burned him.

“Spike, what’s wrong!” Buffy stood there looking confused.

“Sorry, I thought you wanted me to stop since you tried to get off the couch,” all his insecurities surfacing.

She chuckled softly. “No. I just thought that well, maybe we should go uh to my room; you know where we could have a bed or something.” Buffy started to blush.

Spike smiled at her innocence and took her hand in his and started to walk towards the stairs when Buffy stopped them, “Spike, I’m kind of nervous. What if I’m not what you expect?” she looked away shyly.

Scratching his head, he gave her a shy grin. “Well kitten I don’t have a whole lot to go on, but I can almost guarantee that you’ll be amazing.” Spike leaned over, gave her a passion filled kiss, scooped her up in his arms, and took her up the stairs never once breaking the kiss.
When they reached Buffy’s room, he brought her to the bed and laid her down. Coming to lay beside her on the bed, her peppered her face and neck with kisses trying to relax her.

Buffy felt as if her whole body was on fire, yet she shivered as if it were cold. She could feel Spike running his hands over her body in a soothing manner trying to calm her nerves and it was beginning to help. She found herself getting lost in his touches and caresses. She was becoming more daring and began to explore his body. She reached down, tugged at the hem of his shirt, and brought it up over his head. Spike stopped what he was doing to help with his shirt and before Buffy knew it he had her shirt off as well. They lay looking at one another for a moment, writing to memory how the other looked.

Spike stared at Buffy laying there the in her pink lacy bra and yoga pants; he had to remind himself to breath.” God luv, you are the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”

Buffy self-consciously brought her arms up to cover her chest, “No, don’t hide from me. I want to see you, all of you.” Spike trailed a path with his finger from the side of her neck all the way down to her chest where he took one of her breasts in his hand and kneaded it softly. He was rewarded with a soft moan from Buffy that only drove him further. He brought his mouth down to cover the other breast and suckled her through the material of her bra. Buffy cupped her hand behind his head and pulled him in; needing him to be closer. Spike lifted her slightly off the bed to reach behind her to unclasp her bra. He slowly removed it and tossed it to the floor. He sat up and looked at her and gave a sexy half smile.” I’m gonna remove these silly little pants your wearing. I want to see all of you, from head to toe.” Spike ran his hands down her body to the waist of her pants, slipped his fingers in the edge, and slowly brought them down along with her panties. Spike tossed her clothes to the side and slowly climbed half way up her body. He stopped at her thighs and placed light feathery kisses on them.

Buffy felt like she was on fire, she had never experienced anything like this before, she had made out a few times with boys, but nothing like this. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. She felt Spike placing kisses on her thighs when she felt her thighs being spread apart. By natural instinct, she clamped her thighs together. “S’alright luv, just want to make you feel good.”

“Spike I’ve never, I mean no one has ever done this to me before,” her cheeks blushed with innocence.

Spike curled his tongue behind his teeth and gave her his best sexy smirk. “I promise you’ll love it. If you don’t, I swear I’ll stop. Trust me?”

She nodded her head vigorously. “Okay, I trust you.”

Spike leaned down and slowly eased her thighs apart. Not wanting to scare her, he started slow with open-mouth kisses on her inner thighs and making his way up to her sex. Once she relaxed, he darted out his tongue and swiped it across her opening. Buffy arched her back off the bed and let out a small cry, Spike taking this as okay trailed his tongue from the bottom of her slit to the top, circled his way around to her clit, and slowly pulled it into his mouth. Buffy felt a tingling sensation down in the pit of her stomach beginning to build.

“Oh God Spike, I have this feeling in my stomach, and I don’t know what it is!” she panted as she trashed her head back and forth.

“Let it go kitten, when you do, it will be the best thing you’ve ever felt. God, Buffy, you taste so good, all clean and sweet. Like milk and honey,” he purred.

Spike went back to work till he felt she was going to release. He slipped one long finger inside her to try and stretch her for him. He slowly pumped his finger in and out then added a second. Buffy arched her hips to his mouth and tossed her head back and forth from pleasure.
“Spike, can’t hold on anymore, feels too good, ohhhhh yes, God yes!” Buffy saw stars behind her eyes as pleasure washed over her body. Spike lapped at her slit licking her clean not wanting to waste one drop of her sweet juices.

Her body fell limp and her legs sprawled to the sides of the bed. Spike came to lie next to her on the bed. “Was that good for you?” he asked in a husky tone.
“That was amazing Spike, I have never felt any thing like that in my life.” She told him breathlessly.
Spike gave her a sexy smirk as he ran a finger in a circular pattern on her flat torso and chuckled lightly, “Glad you liked it Pet.” His caramel smooth tone sending shivers up Buffy’s spine.

Buffy lay there for a moment in the afterglow of her first orgasm while Spike placed small kisses on her abdomen. She pulled him up to eyelevel and kissed him tasting herself slightly on his tongue. She felt her arousal seeping between her legs and onto her thighs.
“Spike, I want you to make love to me,” she said shyly.
“Are you sure kitten? ‘Cause we don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” he assured her. Spike silently pleaded with his eyed for her to not say no.

She looked deep in his eyes conveying all the emotions she had inside her. “Spike I want to do this, and I want it to be you. I know this isn’t your first time, but I hope it’s as special to you as it is to me.” Her tone was whisper-soft. She had to fight the tears that were threatening her eyes.

When Spike saw tears in her eyes his heart began to swell. “Well in a sense it is my first.” Buffy looked confused and was fixing to object when he put a finger to her lips to silence her. “This is my first time with you, and my first time to make love,” his voice was tight with emotion.

Buffy was so overwhelmed at his confession; she pulled Spike to her and poured every emotion she was feeling into her kiss.

Buffy pulled Spike to lie on top of her. She ran her hands down his chiseled chest and felt all his muscles twitch beneath her fingers. She made her way to the button fly of his jeans and pulled it open. She was surprised to find he wasn’t wearing any underwear.

Spike broke the kiss and looked down at her with a cocky grin, “Sorry luv, never have been too keen with wearing knickers.” He chuckled softly at the blush that crossed Buffy’s face.

Buffy felt a flood of moisture pool between her thighs as she slowly slid his jeans down his slender hips, down to his knees. She tugged slightly, but was unable to get them all the way off. He noticed she was struggling, so he pushed his jeans down the rest of the way; kicking them in the direction of where the rest of their clothes were piled on the floor.

Buffy glanced down between there bodies and saw for the first time Spike’s thick, hard erection. Buffy had to remember to breath. She had never seen any boy’s penis before let alone one that BIG!

In a shaky tone, she voiced her concerns, “Uh Spike. Are you sure that will, uh fit?” Buffy was now just a little more nervous at the thought of something that big being inside her.

Spike chuckled to himself at the look on her face when she looked down and saw his penis. When she made it clear how nervous she really was he leaned down, gave her a chaste kiss on her forehead, and looked her in the eyes. “Buffy luv, I’m not gonna lie to you, it may hurt at first, but I promise I’ll make it good for you,” he purred.

She nodded and tried to look more confidant than she felt, “I trust you Spike, just take it slow, okay?”

Spike slowly spread her legs apart and brought a finger down to her center to see if she was ready for him. He pumped his finger in and out a few times to make sure she was wet and stretched her as much as he could.

Buffy looked at him a little confused. “Gotta make sure your ready for me Pet. Don’t want to hurt you.”

“Oh.” She replied softly, slightly embarrassed of her inexperience. Buffy looked him in the eyes, gave him silent permission, and let him know she was ready.

Spike removed his finger and positioned himself at her wet entrance. He slipped the head in first to let her body get used to the foreign intrusion of his member. Once he felt her relax her muscles he pushed further in slowly till he felt her barrier. He leaned in and kissed her passionately. He pulled back to look into her eyes. They were almost black with lust and passion. “Alright luv this is gonna hurt, but only for a moment. Let me know if it’s too much.” She nodded her head in approval and with one smooth thrust he broke past her virginal barrier and stilled his movements to let her feminine walls adjust to his size.

Buffy gasped as the white-hot pain shot through her body, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. She had never felt pain like this before so much so that it took her breath away.

They lay still for a moment as her body adjusted and the pain subsided. Spike noticed she was crying and immediately felt his heart break. “Buffy, are you alright? If you need to stop I will ‘cause I don’t want to hurt you,” concern laced in his voice.

Buffy reached up to run her fingers through his soft curls to reassure him. “No Spike, I’m okay it doesn’t hurt so much anymore. I want to do this,” she assured him.

Spike leaned in and gave her a sweet kiss on the tip of her nose. He lowered his mouth to her ear. “Alright luv, I promise to make it feel good for you, make it special. I want to make you feel as good as I do right now.” His warm breath against her neck caused her body to erupt in goose bumps.

Spike began an achingly slow rhythm sliding in and out as to not hurt her. Buffy could feel a building of sensations starting in her stomach. She grabbed hold of his shoulders and buried her face in his neck and began nipping and sucking the soft skin behind his ear.

Spike had to fight the urge not to explode inside of her from how tight she was and her playing with just the right spot on his neck.

“Buffy, you’re so tight! Feel so good, like heaven being inside of you,” he gasped

“Spike I think I’m gonna cum soon! It feels so good, I feel like sparks are all over my body! OH, OH, OH, SPIKE I’M CUMMING!” Buffy screamed out in ecstasy.

“That’s it baby, cum for me; God you feel so good all wrapped around me. I don’t think I can hold off much longer!” he grunted.

Spike felt her walls flutter around him and her cries of pure ecstasy and with a few more strokes he felt his whole body stiffen and his sack tighten up letting him know he was fixing to spill his seed inside her hot core. With a few jerks and a roar of pure pleasure, he completed his load and rolled off to the side as to not crush her with his body weight.

Buffy lay the in the afterglow of the moment just basking in the wonderful sensations filling her body.

Spike reached over and pulled her to him so they were nose to nose. He peppered her face with kisses and ran his fingers over the skin of her arm till she got goose bumps. They laid there with no words, just touches and kisses to communicate for them. Buffy was the first to break the spell, which they seemed to be under.

“Spike, what’s gonna happen tomorrow when this night is over and we have to face what just happened?”

Spike silenced her with a kiss and pulled her closer wrapping his arms around her. “Let’s not think about that right now, alright luv? Right now let’s just enjoy this moment and sort all the rest out after a good night’s sleep.”
Buffy pulled back so she could see his face, “Will you stay and just hold me tonight, I don’t think I want to be alone.”

“Course luv, I’ll stay, as long as you’ll have me. Now close your eyes and get some rest. We can have our chat in the morning.” He kissed her temple and stroked her damp hair.

Buffy nodded and stifled a yawn. Spike kissed her forehead as Buffy’s eyes drifted shut. When he felt her breathing even out into a steady rhythm, he pulled her to him and spooned her placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Before he let himself give into sleep, he whispered to her, “Well Buffy Anne Summers, I think I’m in love.”



TBC

Buffy and Spike were in such a deep sleep that they never heard the front
door open; or the soft footsteps coming up the stairs and coming to the bedroom.

There, in a tangle of limbs was Joyce’s daughter and from the looks of
it a very naked boy.” WHAT IN GOD’S NAME IS GOING ON HERE?!” Joyce was
standing over her daughter’s bed outraged. From where Joyce stood, all she
could see was her daughter and an unrecognizable boy with his head under a
pillow still asleep.

Buffy sprung up at the sound of her mother’s voice trying to conceal her
naked body. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

Joyce looked at her daughter as if she had grown two heads. “You’re asking me what I’m doing here? I don’t think so, you have five minutes to get yourself and whoever is in that bed downstairs so we can all have a nice talk.” Joyce turned around ready to
walk out the door when the boy sharing her daughter’s bed decided at that
moment to let his presence be known.

“Bloody hell! What’s all the racquet about?” Spike, still half-asleep and not
fully aware of where he sat up, scratched his stomach, and yawned.
Half a second later, he soon found was himself under the scrutinizing glare of
one Joyce Summers. Spike nearly jumped out of his own skin and tumbled from
the bed onto the floor.

Joyce was at a loss for words. There on her daughter’s floor was William
Giles naked as the day he was born wrapped in nothing but her baby girl’s
handmade quilt. When Joyce finally broke her gaze from Spike on the floor,
she looked to her daughter sitting on the bed in not much more than William.
Buffy sat in shock at the situation going on around her. It felt as if time
had completely stopped and she was sure it had stopped in hell.

“Mom, please let me explain. It‘s not what you think.” Joyce just stared at her daughter
with a look of ‘Do you think I’m that stupid?’ written all over her face.

Buffy sighed, “Alright it’s exactly what you think, but I can explain.”

Joyce just shook her head, turned, and walked out the door slamming it behind
her.

Buffy turned to look at Spike for the first time since all the chaos
started, she had tears in her eyes and didn’t know what to even begin to
say, so she said the first thing that came to mind, “I think we should get
some clothes on and head downstairs.” Pulling the sheet tight around her
body, she grabbed her clothes off the floor and headed out the door to the
bathroom leaving a dumbstruck Spike just sitting on the floor.

Spike sat there for a few minutes replaying in his head what the hell just
happened. He had still to bend his head around it all. All Spike knew is
that he fell asleep holding the woman that he was now falling in love with,
to wake up to one pissed off Mom. He quickly dressed and headed downstairs
to face the wrath of Joyce Summers.

Buffy closed the door to the bathroom and slumped against the door in a
heap. This was not the way this was supposed to happen. She and Spike were
suppose to wake up in each others arms and tell each other how much they
loved each other and how they could see forever in each other’s eyes, but now
it was gone.

Buffy knew her Mom would never let her see Spike again. Joyce
had always made it very clear on how she felt on this kind of thing. Ever
since her older sister Faith had gotten pregnant at the young age of 16, run away, and got married, Joyce had vowed she would not let the same thing happen to her younger daughter.

Buffy picked herself off the floor and put on her clothes. She looked herself in the mirror to see puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. She splashed her face with some cold water and turned to go down the stairs to await her fate.


When Buffy got to the bottom of the stairs the scene she saw made her feel
sick. There in her living room sat Spike on the couch with his elbows
propped on his knees, eyes shut and one hand pinching the bridge of his
nose. Across from him in one of the lounge chairs was her mom and in the
other was his dad Rupert Giles.

Rupert Giles was a quiet man who always was very polite and even-tempered,
but the man sitting across form his son was anything but. “William what in
the buggering hell were you thinking?” Giles was now pacing the floor in
long strides. ”Da’ will you just...” Spike was cut off by a very angry
British man.

“SHUT UP! I don’t want to hear a word out of you right now! You will just
shut your mouth and listen. Is that understood?”
“ Yes sir,” was the mumbled reply that came from the young man on the couch.

Buffy chose that moment to enter the living room.

Joyce motioned her to sit on the couch. Buffy did as she was motioned to do.
She chanced a glance over at Spike hoping she could will him to look at her,
but had no such luck. He just sat there with his head hung, not making a
sound. Buffy looked back to her mom looking for some kind of comfort to find
nothing but disappointment.

Joyce stood up and placed a hand on Rupert’s arm to still his pacing. “Rupert please have a seat, I think it’s my turn to say something now that Buffy has joined us.” Giles took his seat and removed his glasses to clean the non-existent spot that he could not remove.


“Buffy. William. You have no idea how very disappointed I was to find you in
the situation that you were in this morning. I always thought you two had better
judgment than that.” Joyce had to stop herself for a moment to gain her
composure. “Buffy after all that I went through with your sister you would
think that you would know better.” Buffy went to interrupt her mother when
she put her hand up “No, I’m not done yet young lady. I hate to have to do
this, but you are not to see William again. I know you may not think it’s
fair but I think it’s for the best. I can’t go through that again. Rupert and I
have both talked this over and we are both in agreement.”

Buffy was fighting back tears through her Mother’s whole speech, but when she
heard her say she could never see Spike again, the dam broke. Buffy let a
strangled cry. “Mom, please don’t do this. Spike is my best friend in the
whole world. Why are you doing this?” Buffy just continued to sob as her
mother continued.

“Buffy, I’m sorry it had to come to this, but I will not have you make the
same mistakes. Letting you see William would only make things harder and
leave you both tempted to make an even bigger mistake than you already
have.”

Spike finally found his voice. “Ms. Summers please don’t take Buffy
away from me. I need her so much. I’ve never had someone who I can talk to
no matter what. I promise you that this will never happen again.”

Joyce looked William in the eyes, “You’re right William this won’t happen again.”
Spike let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “Because you
will stay away from my daughter.” Spike just stared at her not believing
what she was saying.

Joyce stood and walked to the door and opened it.” I would appreciate it
Rupert if you would take William home and see to it that he does not try to
contact Buffy in any way at all.” Giles stood. He nodded his head in
agreement and ushered his son towards the door. Spike looked back at Buffy
one last time with tears in his eyes and then without a word was out the
door and gone from her life forever.



TBC

Spike walked away from Buffy’s front porch in a daze. As he approached his Desoto in the driveway, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his father with a very solemn face.
“William, I am very sorry things had to come to this but you must realize where Joyce is coming from.”

Spike looked at his father with a glare that could freeze holy water. “No! I don’t understand where she’s coming from. She’s acting as if we just killed a priest!” Spike was now yelling and drawing attention from neighbors.

“William keep your voice down! No amount of yelling is going to change things.” Giles let out an exasperated sigh. “Now I expect to see you at home immediately so we can better discuss a proper punishment.”

Spike went to rebut but was met with his father’s retreating form as he made his way to his own vehicle. Spike took a deep breath and glanced at the Summers’ front door wondering to himself how everything went so wrong. He wanted nothing more then to bust down the door sweep Buffy off her feet and take them both far away for all of this mess. Taking a deep breath and realizing going to Buffy would only make mattes worse; he wiped the lone tear from his cheek, he climbed in driver’s seat and started his way home.

Joyce stood in front of the door blocking her daughter’s way. “Buffy I meant what I said about you not seeing William again. Don’t make this any harder on yourself!” Joyce was trying to stay calm, but her nerves were coming very close to snapping.

“Mom you can’t keep me away from him forever. What are you going to do? Lock me in the house and live in my back pocket?” Buffy said sarcastically.

Buffy knew she sounded like a child, but she didn’t care. She was just hurting so much.
“You can’t control everything I do! When are you going to see I can make my own decisions! I’m not a child anymore, so stop treating me like one!” Buffy was now screaming at her mother. She knew she wasn’t helping at all but she was bound and determined to get her point across.

Joyce looked at her daughter with anger-filled eyes. “Well Buffy, if you are so grown up, tell me, did you use protection? Or for that matter, are you and William in a committed relationship where you love each other and want to spend the rest of your lives together?” Joyce was livid. She couldn’t believe her daughter was being so childish about the whole situation.

Buffy was stunned. Her mother had just asked her every question she had no idea how to answer. Of course, she loved Spike he was her best friend and would always be a part of her life. Were they ready to walk down the aisle and say I do? That was a whole other story. She didn’t even know how Spike felt about her let alone how she really felt. Then the question of protection entered Buffy’s mind. “Oh my God!” She sat there, chin dropped and eyes as wide as saucers. Buffy hadn’t even thought to ask if Spike had a condom let alone if he would use one.

“Mom, we never used any thing!” Buffy chocked out as tears streamed down her face. The harsh reality set in that she could potentially be pregnant. Buffy felt as if her whole world was falling all around her and she was stuck under all the ruble. Buffy just sat there in a daze.

Joyce looked at her daughter franticly. “Buffy please tell me you’re not saying what I think you’re saying!” Joyce grabbed her daughter by the shoulders and shook her slightly to snap her back into reality. “Buffy listen to me, did you or did you not use protection?” Waiting for her daughter’s reply, she closed her eyes and prayed to whoever would listen that she heard her little girl wrong.

Buffy looked up with puffy and swollen eyes at the woman before her and whimpered a soft “No.”

Joyce fell to her knees in front of Buffy who was sitting on the couch and finally let the tears that had been stinging the back of her eyes since she first opened her daughter’s door fall. She couldn’t believe what was happening. Buffy her baby, was now potentially in the same boat that her oldest daughter was not even 5 years ago.

Faith had always been her wild child and was even more so when the divorce happened. When Hank Summers announced that he was leaving Joyce for another woman; no one took it as hard as Faith did. She was Daddy’s little girl. Even as a toddler, Faith would always run to her father rather than to Joyce. She had accepted it and didn’t let it bother her too much, but when Hank left her to deal with both girls on her own, Faith took advantage of it as much as she could.
It started as just staying out past curfew and not calling and saying where she was going to be. Then day by day it got worse. Faith met a guy that Joyce was not to fond of who was much older than her.

Lindsey McDonald was a 19-year-old college student at UC Sunnydale while Faith was a 16-year-old junior at Sunnydale High. Joyce tried to forbid her from seeing Lindsey, but Faith would just sneak off to see him anyway. Several months passed when she noticed her daughter was paler than normal and she was constantly throwing up. Concerned for her daughter’s health, she took her to the doctor only to find that she was 8 weeks pregnant. Joyce was crushed. She never would have thought her daughter would be a single mother at the age of sixteen. Joyce threatened her with making her give the baby up for adoption and never letting her see Lindsey again; Faith, of course, had other ideas.

The next morning she found Faith’s room empty of all her personal belongings and a short note saying she couldn’t live with her mother’s rules and that she and Lindsey were going to go get married with or without her permission. She would not hear from Faith again till after her granddaughter was born and almost a year old.

Faith finally broke down and called her mother to let her know she and Lindsey were in L.A and had a small house near Hank and that she was very happy. Just being glad her daughter was okay, she accepted her daughter’s decision and made an effort to keep in touch.

Now here Joyce sat in her living room with Buffy before her, almost living out her worst nightmare to a ‘T’.

Joyce finally composed herself and as calmly as she could spoke to her daughter. “Buffy from here on out you will not leave this house. I am going to call first thing Monday morning and tell Principal Snyder that you will not be in school. You will stay in this house until I can get you to the doctors to find out if indeed you’re pregnant. I will have someone bring your work home for you. You will not be able to go out or use the phone. Is that understood?” Joyce stood her ground and had no intentions of backing down no matter how much her daughter protested. Buffy did nothing but silently nod her head in the affirmative.

Logically she knew why her mother was freaking out like she was, but Buffy didn’t want to see logic. Right now, the only thing she saw was how irrational her mom was being and that she had to find some way to get a hold of Spike. Without saying a word, Buffy got up from her spot on the couch and made her way upstairs to her room.

When Buffy got to her door, she pushed it open and stared at the bed. There exactly the way they had left it this morning were the sheets and quilt thrown across the bed and pillows in every which direction. Buffy fell on the bed face down in the sheets and inhaled deeply. She could still smell Spike on her sheets and something that must have been a combined smell of them and their passion. Not ever wanting to lose that, she stripped the sheets off the bed and shoved them in the back of her closet. As she closed the closet, door all her emotions took over and she fell to the floor sobbing. It was in this moment she realized that she was in fact in love with Spike. Not the kind of love you have for a best friend, but in fact, the kind of love you have for someone you can’t live without. Letting out one last strangled cry, she promised herself that she would some how find a way to tell Spike how much he really meant to her and how much she loved him.
Right before exhaustion took over her body, she whispered to herself, “I love you Spike, I just hope you love me too.”



TBC

Spike drove home in a complete haze. He wasn’t even sure how he got there, all he knew was that he managed to make it there in one piece. When he arrived home, he saw his father’s car already in the drive and his stomach flipped flopped at the idea of having to face him. Spike knew that this wasn’t going to go well and that he was sure his father was going to have a few choice words. At that moment, all he wanted to do was go to his room, be alone with his own thoughts, and not have to deal with the wrath of one Rupert Giles. Taking a deep breath, he got out of his car and headed towards the house preparing himself for the worst.

Giles sat in his favorite chair waiting for his son to come home. He went over the morning’s events over and over in his head, and came to the same conclusion each time; how could have this happened? He sat wondering to himself where he could have gone wrong. Giles had always thought his son to be responsible and levelheaded, yes, he was your typical rebellious teenage boy, but never did anything rash that could potentially get him into serious trouble. He knew that on day William would grow up to be a fine young man who would go to the right college, get the perfect job, have a beautiful family and make his father proud; but now he wasn’t so sure.

Giles’ thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door shutting. When he looked up, there stood his son, who looked as if he had been sent to hell and back. With a heavy sigh, Giles motioned for Spike to sit down so the could have there long awaited talk.

“Son, if you could please have a seat. I do believe we should have a chat about what happened this morning.” Giles removed his glasses and wiped at a smudge that wasn’t there waiting for his son to respond.

“I don’t think there is anything left to say Dad. Joyce seems to have covered everything.” Spike practically spit out every word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. “I soul heartedly ruined Buffy’s life, end of story.” Spike said with enough hate to make his father wince slightly at the tone of his voice.

“Now, William. Don’t you think you’re being a bit dramatic?” Giles said and rolled his eyes at how childish his son was being.

“Dramatic!” Spike didn’t know whether to laugh or scream in exasperation. “You have got to be kidding me! I’m not the one who went off like a wild person! She acted like I was the devil himself and took her daughter’s precious soul!” Spike couldn’t believe that his father couldn’t see that this was all being blown way out of per portion. He knew that Joyce had every right to be upset, especially with what had happened with Faith, but Buffy wasn’t Faith, and he damn sure wasn’t like Lindsey. Spike knew they messed up, but Joyce was just acting crazy in his eyes.

Giles rubbed his temples trying to subside the headache he could feel coming on. “William please try to understand, Joyce is trying to do what is best for Buffy. You and I both know what this poor woman has gone through with Faith; and to find her youngest daughter in the predicament she found you two in this morning was all but reassuring to her. I imagine it was like seeing her worst nightmares come true.” Giles could see by the look on his son’s face that what he just said had gone in one ear and out the other.

“Dad, listen. I know what we did was wrong, but when is Joyce going to stop comparing Buffy to Faith. THEY are nothing alike! She can’t let everything Faith did influence the choices she makes for Buffy, it’s not fair!” Spike said sounding like a defiant child.

“Why does she have to keep Buffy away from me, it’s not like we have no self-control,” he said dryly.

“William, the fact remains that Joyce has made it very clear that you are to go nowhere near Buffy. I think it would be in your best interest to obey her wishes or else you risk even more harm than is already done.” Giles was trying to use reason, but was finding it very hard since his son seemed to be acting as if he was 3 yrs. old instead of 18.

“Well I think it’s all bloody stupid if you ask me.” Spike grumbled as he rolled his eyes. He instantly regretted it when he saw the furry in his father’s eyes.

“You arrogant stupid boy! Now you are going to shut your gob and listen to what I have to say, and I don’t want to hear one word out of you till I’m finished, is that clear!” Giles was irate.

Spike could see the tell tale signs of Ripper, his fathers old self shining through. He knew it was time to just keep his mouth shut, for fear his father would snap completely.

Giles got a slight grip on his temper and continued, “Did you ever once consider that you have caused irreparable damage to the only relationship Joyce has left with her daughters or that you have forced her to make the hardest decision in order to keep Buffy from making one of the biggest mistakes of her life?”

Giles studied his son for a moment and noticed that he had at least the decency to look ashamed. Feeling bad for being so harsh on him, he sat beside his son and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you’re hurting right now, as you should be, but there is no excuse for your actions. I know in my heart that they were done out of nothing but love because I’ve seen the way you look at her.” He paused for a moment before continuing knowing that he was finally getting through. “It is the same way I used to look at your Mum.” Giles words where whisper soft and held nothing but love and concern for his only son. He sat for a moment letting his words sink in.

Spike couldn’t help but smile a bit at the memory of how in love his parents were. Spike only hoped of finding a love like that one day. He was sure that Buffy was the one. He knew in his heart he would never find anyone else quite like her. And now she was being ripped away before he ever had the chance to tell her how he truly felt. The thought alone was enough to break his heart in two. Spike was pulled from his thoughts when his father continued.

Giles stared at his son for a moment. A thousand different questions were going through his mind. He didn’t even know where to begin, but the one question that seemed to stick out the most in his mind was if he had been smart enough to think of protection. Not wanting to put off the inevitable, he got straight to the point.

“William. I don’t know how to say this, so I will get straight to the point.” Giles had a slight blush to his face. Having never been able to discuss such topics as birth control with his own father, he made a point of avoiding such things with his own son. “Did you and Buffy use uh, well you know, anything?”

Spike looked at his father with slight confusion on his face. ‘What in the bloody hell is the old man going on about?’ Spike had never been comfortable with the idea of talking about sex with his father and knew for damn sure his Dad would rather put hot pokers in his eyes than have to address the subject. Then it finally dawned on him what his father was trying to ask him.

“You mean did we use a condom?” Spike blushed from his own bluntness and stared down at his feet.

“Err, yes. That’s exactly what I’m trying to ask, and not so eloquently I might add.” Giles didn’t know why, but he was finding it hard to look his son in the eyes from fear his son would see how embarrassed he was for talking about such matters. It was at times like this, Giles wished he could be a little less of the stuffy Brit his son always teased him of being.

Giving his father’s question a final thought Spike came to a very frightening conclusion. He hadn’t used anything. ”BLOODY HELL!” Spike turned pale at the realization of his actions. He never even once thought about any type of birth control. He was too wrapped in the moment of being so close with Buffy that any other thoughts went straight out the window.

Giles looked at his son hoping against all hope that he couldn’t have been serious, but one look at Spikes face was all the reassurance he needed. “William, please tell me that she is at least on something?” Giles was pleading with his eyes for some sign of hope that his son was smart enough to ask such questions. The response he got was not the answer he was looking for.

“I don’t know.” It came out as a whisper. Giles wasn’t even sure he heard him answer, but he knew from the look on his face that he heard him right.

He looked at his only child with a look filled with so much disappointment that Spike had to hang his head in shame. Spike felt as if he was going to be sick. How could have been so stupid. At that very moment he knew Joyce had every right to be disgusted with him. If something happened to Buffy, he would never be able to forgive himself. “Oh Da’, what am I going to do if anything happens to her?” Spike looked up at his father with unshed tears in his eyes, silently begging for some sort of reassurance that everything would be okay.

Giles looked away from his son so he wouldn’t see the tears threatening to spill over. With a shake of his head, he echoed his son’s words. “Bloody hell.”

TBC

It had been a month and a half since Joyce had dis-enrolled Buffy from Sunnydale High and since she had last seen Spike. Buffy was like a living zombie. She hardly ate anything and just stayed in her room and cried. Joyce was beyond concerned for her daughter’s well being, but she could not back down now.

Buffy had an appointment with Dr. Olsen, the family physician, at 2 o’clock that afternoon for a full physical and to be put on some kind of birth control, that’s if Joyce’s worst fears were not confirmed first. Joyce knew that Buffy was due to have her period weeks ago. She had yet to start and Joyce was getting more nervous by the day. She was praying that it was due to all the stress her daughter had been going through, but she had a gut feeling this was going to be a lot more than just stress.

Buffy was in a complete state of depression. She wanted nothing more than to just curl up and die. As far as she was concerned, she had nothing left to live for. She hadn’t seen Spike in over a month and each of those days felt like centuries. She attempted to call him on the phone a few times, but was caught by her mother each and every time. Joyce had gone as far as unplugging all the phones except for the one in her room to make sure that Buffy couldn’t get a hold of him. After her Mom had taken away all the phones and isolated her from everyone, she cut herself off completely from her mother. Buffy would wait for her mother to leave for work before she would come out of her room and return to her room just before she came home to make sure she didn’t have to talk to or look at her. Today she wouldn’t be so lucky. Joyce had made her a doctor’s appointment and she would have to be stuck in the car and be with the one person she absolutely loathed for the better part of the afternoon.

Buffy heard a soft knock at her door. She turned and looked at the clock on her nightstand and groaned. It was 12:45 pm, and she knew that her mother wanted to leave for the doctor’s office. Her appointment wasn’t for another hour or so, but her mom insisted they leave early to be sure they were there on time.

Buffy so did not want to go, but knew that her mother would continue to treat her like a prisoner if she refused to go. Buffy’s stomach had been doing flip-flops all morning at the sheer thought of what was going to happen that afternoon. Buffy had never had a female examination before and she was nervous. She had talked to Faith once about that kind of thing, but that was as far as her knowledge of those things went. Buffy was a fairly modest person. No one had ever seen her naked since she was about 10 years old, except for Spike. The thought of a near stranger seeing her so intimately made her want to cry. Sure she had known Dr. Olsen since she was a baby, but he had never seen her sans clothing since then.

There was another knock on her door before she walked over to open it. When Buffy opened the door, she was greeted with a very solemn faced Joyce. She could tell that her mother hadn’t slept well and she just looked all around exhausted. Buffy tried her best to not show how scared she was, but her mother saw right through her. Joyce gave her a weak smile.

“Buffy, we need to get going if we want to get there on time.” Joyce tried to sound comforting but just came across sounding distant.

“Mom, I don’t think we really need to go. I feel fine.” Buffy said dryly as she tried one last time to convince her Mom not to make her go.

Joyce was finding her patience was beginning to run thin. Her daughter had been trying to talk her out of this appointment since she had first brought it up. “Buffy you’re going to see Dr. Olsen and that’s final. I know you’re probably a little nervous, but I promise you have nothing to worry about. Dr. Olsen is an excellent physician. You’ve been going to him for years. You act as if he’s a total stranger.” Joyce was trying not to get irritated with her youngest daughter, but because of the circumstances, she had no patience for Buffy to act like a baby about this.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Fine! I’ll go to your stupid appointment and let some old guy get up close and personal with me, it’s not like I have a say so anyways.” Buffy said with a grumble as she stormed past her mother toward the stairs. Joyce let out a huff of exasperation and followed Buffy down the stairs where they both proceeded out the door and made their way to the car.

The ride to Dr. Olsen’s office was made in uncomfortable silence. The tension between the two women was so thick that you could cut through it with a knife. When Joyce finally pulled in the parking lot, Buffy literally bolted out of the car and into the office. Buffy entered the small doctor’s office and took in the room. It hadn’t changed one bit since she was a little girl. She saw Anya looking over charts at the desk. Anya looked up and gave Buffy a million dollar smile. Buffy gave her a small smile, a wave, and continued looking over the room. The walls were painted a soft yellow with white trim at the ceiling and baseboards. There were pictures of all the patients that Dr. Olsen had seen over his years of practice. Buffy looked over the pictures and noticed one of her and Faith sitting next to one another on an exam table with tear streaked cheeks and big smiles that formed around the suckers shoved in their mouths. She smiled at how simple things were back then. As Buffy reached up to touch the photo, she heard the bell on the door. When she turned to see who had walked in the door her smiled faded when she saw her mother walk in and go straight for the receptionist desk.

“Hello Ms. Summers. Dr. Olsen is almost ready to see Buffy. He just has to get the exam room prepped.” Anya, Dr. Olsen’s secretary and assistant said warmly. “Great, we’ll just have a seat till you call us back.” Joyce gave her a weak smile and took a seat in the waiting area. Anya noticed that both Summers’ women seemed a bit off. She knew it was because of the circumstances of today’s visit.

Buffy sat across from her mom with a magazine that was almost as old as she was. She pretended to be reading as to not have to speak to her mother. They sat for about 10 minutes when Buffy heard Anya call her name from the adjoining door to the waiting room. Buffy stood up, smoothed out her skirt, and made her way to the exam room. Joyce went to follow when Buffy turned and stopped her. ”Mom, if you don’t mind I think I would rather you not come in with me,” Buffy said looking away blushing.

“Of course I don’t mind. I’ll be waiting for you out here. Is it okay if we have a talk with Dr. Olsen when he’s done with your exam?” Joyce gave her daughter her best ‘Mom’ look hopping she would understand that she had other things with Dr. Olsen she would like to discuss. Buffy gave her Mom a weak smile and nodded her head in the affirmative. Joyce gave her daughter’s hand a small reassuring squeeze and watched her walk away down the hall. Joyce closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Joyce’s’ stomach was twisted in knots. Nothing could prepare her for what was soon to change the rest of their lives.

When Buffy entered the exam room, a chill ran through her body. The smell of alcohol and disinfectant invaded her nose. She wrapped her arms around herself trying to fight off the chill. Anya followed her in the small room and opened a small closet where she removed a small gown and a sheet. “Buffy if you will remove all your clothing and put on this gown, Dr. Olsen will be with you in a moment.” Anya said with a chirp. She went to walk out the room then stopped and turned to Buffy. “Oh, and just put the sheet over you lap once you have a seat on the table.” Anya gave her one last smile, turned, and walked out the room closing the door behind her.

Buffy stood in the room for a moment taking everything in. There was an exam table in the middle of the room pushed back against the wall with the same paper on it that Dr. Olsen had let her draw on when she came to see him as a little girl; only this time there were stirrups at the end of the table. To the right of the exam table was a metal roller shelf with a tray with lots of utensils on it. Buffy looked over all the utensils; there was a small object that looked like a duck bill that had a handle, a glass slide and something that almost looked like a pipe cleaner. There were a few packets of lubricant and a box of latex gloves. Buffy wasn’t sure what all the items on the tray were but she was almost sure of where they were going.

Buffy removed her clothes and put on the gown that Anya had left for her. Just as she was getting situated on the table with her sheet when there was a soft knock at the door. ”Buffy, is it okay if we come in?” Dr. Olsen called through the door. Buffy panicked for a moment thinking her mother was coming in after all.

Dr. Olsen opened the door and entered with Anya in tow. Buffy let out the breath she had been holding. Dr. Olsen walked over to the sink and began scrubbing his hands as he began their conversation. “Good afternoon Buffy. It’s been awhile since I’ve last seen you,” Dr. Olsen said with a soft smile. He had been Buffy’s doctor since she was first born; he had even delivered her. Pulling up a stool to sit next to her, he started her appointment. “Buffy, Anya will be my assistant during your exam. She’ll be here the whole time to make sure you’re comfortable. Now tell me what brings you here today?” Dr. Olsen said putting on a pair of latex gloves.

Buffy blushed slightly. She wasn’t exactly sure what to say. She was sure that ‘Sorry Dr. Olsen, my mom thinks I’m a big ol’ slut and wants me on birth control’ wasn’t it though, so instead she opted for, “Well, my Mom wanted me to get a physical and we both know my Mom, so here I am.” Buffy said with slight sarcasm that didn’t go unnoticed by Dr. Olsen.

“I see,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I spoke to your Mom a few days ago and she tells me that you have become sexually active and she has some concerns.”

Buffy turned an unattractive shade of red. She couldn’t believe she was sitting and talking about her sex life to her childhood doctor. “Oh my God. She actually called just to tell you that!” Buffy shrieked.

Dr. Olsen chuckled softly. “Buffy it’s alright. I have been doing this for a long time; you have no reason to be embarrassed. Now lets get started shall we?” Dr. Olsen pulled his stool to the end of the table and asked Buffy to lie down and place both feet in the stirrups. Buffy looked over at Anya with shiny eyes. Anya gave her hand a comforting squeeze and a sympathetic smile.

Dr. Olsen started with the pelvic exam. He talked her through everything he was doing in a smooth and comforting voice to try and keep her relaxed. “Buffy, I’m going to now place the speculum at the opening of your vagina. I am going to open the speculum slightly so I can have a good look and make sure everything is as it should be.” Buffy nodded for him to continue. “Now I’m going to take a small sample of tissue to send off to the lab for tests. You may feel a slight pinch, but just try to relax.” Buffy held on to Anya’s hand as Dr. Olsen took his sample, it wasn’t too uncomfortable, but he was right, it did feel like a pinch.

Anya smoothed her other hand over Buffy’s and leaned in. “He’s just about done. You’re doing great!” Anya gave her another reassuring smile.

Dr. Olsen finished his exam and removed his gloves. “Well, everything looks great. I need for you to go down to the lab for me so they can do a few blood tests and when you’re done we can sit down and talk with your mother about the results, that is if that’s okay?” Buffy looked up at Dr. Olsen with a look of discomfort.

“I know she wants to talk with you and all, but I’m just a little embarrassed about what she might say or ask.” Buffy knew the first thing out of her mom’s mouth was going to be about birth control. She didn’t want Dr. Olsen to think she was a slut who had sex all the time.

“Buffy, I assure you that you have nothing to embarrassed about. Your mother just wants what’s best for you. You have to understand that no parent likes the idea of their child growing up; yes it’s a fact of life, but it’s still hard on a parent.” Dr. Olsen gave her a small smile and a pat on the knee before he and Anya let themselves out of the room so Buffy could get dressed.

Buffy dressed and headed down the hall to the Lab where she gave blood for the tests that Dr. Olsen had ordered. Once done she went back to the waiting room where her mother was pacing back and forth. Joyce looked up when she heard a door close. Her motherly instincts kicking in, she walked over and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “Mom, I can’t breathe. Oxygen is becoming a major issue.” Buffy managed to rasp out. “Sorry dear, it’s just that I’ve been out here wondering for so long what was going on that I got a little carried away.” Joyce said as she loosened her grip on her daughter. Buffy pulled herself from her mothers’ arms and went to sit down on a chair close-by.

Joyce sat next to her daughter and waited for a moment before starting. “So, did everything go okay with Dr. Olsen?” Joyce asked nervously. Buffy looked over at her mother void of emotion. “He said he would talk to us when my lab results came back.” She was still mad that her mother had called and revealed such personal information with out even talking to her first.

Joyce looked at her daughter panicked. “Is something wrong? What tests did he run? Did he tell you what might be wrong?” Joyce’s voice was starting to get shrill. Before Buffy had a chance to even answer her mother Anya poked her head through the door and motioned for them to follow her. Without even looking over at her mother, Buffy rose from her seat and walked toward Dr. Olsen’s office.

Buffy entered the office with Joyce shortly behind her. Dr. Olsen stood as they entered and then motioned for them to have a seat. They all took their respective seats and sat in awkward silence. Dr. Olsen opened Buffy’s file and shuffled a few papers before beginning. “I have gone over Buffy’s Pap smear results and everything is normal, there are no signs of cancers or any STD’s. Her blood work on the other hand came back with some very interesting results.” Dr. Olsen looked up from the papers in his hands and looked at Joyce and Buffy for a moment before continuing. “I had my suspicions during Buffy’s pelvic exam, and with the results from her blood work, my suspicions were confirmed.” Dr. Olsen said in an almost sad voice.

Joyce looked as if she was going to faint. “Doctor what’s wrong with my baby?” Joyce’s voice was beginning to warble. The tone Dr. Olsen had used gave her the idea that something was most definitely wrong. She was sure she might explode if he didn’t tell them the results, and soon. Joyce sprang from her chair and hovered over the doctor’s desk. “Dr. Olsen please! Tell us what you found! I don’t think I can stand it any longer. I have been waiting for the last hour or so to hear something, so please just say it!” Joyce was practically hysterical.

Buffy hadn’t said one word. She was there in body but not in mind. She had a million things going through her mind, but none of them came close to what she was about to hear.

Dr. Olsen cleared his throat. “Joyce sit down. I need you to be calm about this; you overreacting is not going to help.” Dr. Olsen was trying to keep his voice calm and soothing as to not upset Joyce even more. Once Joyce was sitting back down Dr. Olsen took a deep breath. “There is no real way to say this, so I will just come out and say it. Buffy, you are 5 1/2 weeks pregnant.”




TBC

Buffy was in complete shock. She was pregnant. She had had sex one time, that’s all it took; just one time. She knew in her subconscious that yes; this was a possibility, but never had she thought it would it actually happen. Her whole world was suddenly turning over on itself. She was only 17 years old. She wasn’t ready to be a mother; she hadn’t even finished High school yet, but the harsh reality of it was that ready or not; she was going to be a mother and Spike was going to be a father and he didn’t even know it.

Buffy sat as silent tears fell down her cheeks. She looked over at her mother to see what kind of reaction she was having to this new revelation. What saw scared her; Joyce’s face was completely void of all color and her pupils where dilated. Buffy knew this couldn’t be a good sign

Joyce didn’t say a word. She stood with glazed eyes and mumbled. “I think I need some air.” Joyce stood on shaky legs and took one step towards the door and collapsed to the floor.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike sat in the back of the library just thinking. He was determined to find a way to see Buffy. He felt like he would go mad if he didn’t see her soon. Spike had respected Joyce’s wishes so far, but it had been well over a month since he had last seen her. The few times he had tried to call her Joyce had simply hung up on him, so he decided to back off completely in hopes that with some time Joyce would come around and let him at least talk to her. Spike was interrupted of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Spike looked up to see a very concerned Willow staring back at him.

“Hey Spike, how’s it goin’?”She said softly. Willow had never seen Spike so distant before. He was always smiling and playful, but for the last month and a half he hadn’t said or done much of anything. He was therein body, but his mind was definitely off some where else. Spike went into very little detail as to what happened with Buffy due to the fact that it just hurt way too much. Willow knew the basics. Joyce had found Buffy and Spike in bed together and completely wigged out.

Spike gave her a flat look. “Hey Red.” He wasn’t really in the mood for company. Willow ignored the fact that he was trying to brush her off and pulled out the chair across from him. Willow put on her resolve face that no one could refuse and started the conversation.

“Spike listen,” Willow was tired of seeing him so depressed. “When are you going to stop being all Mr. Mopey pants? You have been in a mood ever since, you know… ‘That day’. I hate seeing you like this, it’s not healthy. I wish you would talk to me or at least Xander about what’s going on.” Willow only hoped that maybe her words would break down the wall that seemed too built up around him.

Spike sighed and reached for her hand. “Wills, I know you’re only trying to help, but I really just want to be left alone right now. You know you and Xander are my mates; and under any other circumstances I would come to you two in a heart beat. It’s just that right now it hurts too much to talk about.” His voice was tight with emotion and he was having trouble holding off tears.

Willow softened her face. “Spike I can only imagine how broke up you must be inside, but you have got to stop doing this to yourself. It’s not your fault. Do you think Buffy would want you to be this way?” Willow regretted brining up Buffy the moment she saw the pain flash over Spikes face.

Spike felt his temper flare. “Well Red the fact of the matter is; I haven’t a bleeding idea of what Buffy would want ‘cause I have been refused to see or speak to her! So don’t give me that bullshit about what Buffy would want.” Spike spit out at her. He felt bad for taking out his anger on his friend, but he couldn’t keep it in anymore.

There where shh’s coming from all over the library and people where starting to peek around the book cases to see what all the commotion was.

Willow blushed lightly at all the attention they where drawing. “Spike keep your voice down or your going to get us kicked out of the library.” Willow whispered. She was hurt that Spike had yelled at her that way, but understood that he wasn’t really mad at her per say, but mad with the whole world.

Spike took a deep breath and buried his face in his hands. He saw the hurt look he caused Willow and instantly felt bad. Spike gathered his things and stood. “Willow, I need to go, I’ll see you around.” He turned on his heels and stormed off before she had a chance to argue. As Spike pushed his way through the library doors, he ran into Xander. “Hey man! Where’s the fire?” Xander said as he bumped into a near by locker. Spike just reached out a hand to steady Xander; gave him an apologetic look and walked off.

Xander spotted Willow in the back of the library exactly where spike left her. “Hey babe, how’s it shaken’?” Xander leaned in and gave her a firm kiss on the lips. He noticed Willow looked like she wanted to cry instantly knew something was wrong.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Xander said softly as he caressed her cheek with his hand. “You look like someone just hit your dog; does this have anything to do with Spike blowing out of here and sending me into the lockers?”

Willow looked at him with concern etched in her features. “Xander I don’t know what else to do for him. I tried talking to him, but he keeps shutting me out; I even suggested he talk to you about what’s going on, but he just said he wanted to be left alone.”

Xander gave Willow’s had an affectionate squeeze. “Babe, I know you want to help and all, but maybe he just needs a little space.” Willow snuggled into Xander’s shoulder. “That sounds a lot like what he said.” Her words where muffled by Xander’s shirt.

Xander nuzzled Willows neck; then pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I know how I would feel if your parents tried kept me from you. ‘Psycho Xander’ is not so much with the attractive.” Willow couldn’t help but laugh; Xander could always make a bad situation a little more bearable.

With a pout Willow said. “I even gave him my resolve face.”

Xander gave her a look of mock horror. “That can’t be! No one can resist the famous Willow Rosenberg’s resolve face.”

With a slight shrug of her shoulders she replied. ”I guess I must be losing my touch.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike couldn’t stay at school any longer, so he decided to ditch for the rest of the day. A nice drive would do him some good to help clear his head. Here lately all his thoughts went straight to Buffy.’ What was she doing? Was she thinking of him as much as he thought of her? Did she even miss him or did she just not care at all?

As Spike made his way down the hall to get to the student parking lot Principal Snyder caught sight of him.

“Excuse me Mr. Giles, but isn’t there some place you should be right now?” Snyder’s words slithered past his lips. Spike stopped in his tracks and groaned. He didn’t need a confrontation with the pathetic excuse for a man. Spike turned slowly and leered at Snyder.

“Well Snyder, what can I say; you caught me red handed. Question is what are you going to do about it?” Spike puffed his chest and stared the little man down. Spike knew this was going to cost him dearly, but at the moment he really didn’t care.

Snyder approached Spike and stopped just inches away from him. “Well Mr. Giles you’ve just earned yourself detention for the rest of the week and next. I suggest you find this place you’re supposed to be and stay there if you know what’s best for you.” Snyder grinned evilly enjoying the power he felt he held.

Spike closed the space between them and lowered his head till they where eye level. “Tell you what; I’m going to get in my car and leave this hellhole you call a school, and you can go to hell. How’s that sound? Spikes voice was cold as ice. He backed away with a final smirk; turned on his heel and walked away without another word.

Snyder’s face turned red with anger and he was shaking with rage. He couldn’t believe that this punk kid had the audacity to speak to him with such disrespect. “That’s it, you’re out of here!” Snyder yelled as Spike sauntered down the hallway. Spike laughed a sadistically throwing two fingers in the air in a ‘V’ shape showing Snyder how he really felt.

Snyder still filled with rage turned and walked to his office to make the phone call to Spikes’ father. He was going to enjoy making this call. With an evil smile; he sauntered down the hall planning on what he was going to say to Rupert Giles.

Spike got in his car turned the radio on full blast and skidded out of the parking lot leaving nothing but his dust in the air. He wasn’t sure where he was going or what he was going to do for the rest of the afternoon; but he knew for damn sure he wasn’t staying here.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Joyce finally came to after a few minutes. When she opened her eyes she saw several faces looking down at her. “What happened?” Her voice was almost a whisper. Joyce sat up from her lying position on the floor and winced as she reached back and rubbed the small knot that was beginning to form on the back of her head.

Dr. Olsen was squatting next to her. She looked at him with confusion for a moment and then anger as reality came crashing back to her. She now remembered what made her faint. Buffy was pregnant 5 1/2 weeks with Spike’s baby. She felt as if she might be sick.

Dr. Olsen helped her off the floor and settled her back in her chair. “Joyce, you had us worried there for a minute. I can only imagine what a shock this is to you. Would you like something to drink?” Joyce shook her head ‘No’ and shifted in her seat trying to get her bearings.

Dr. Olsen sat on the edge of his desk waiting for Joyce to say something; when she just with a blank look on her face he turned to Buffy and continued. “I have set up an appointment for you to come in to see me in 2 weeks so we can do an ultrasound and make sure everything is as it should be and I can give you a better idea of where you are in your pregnancy.” He turned from Buffy to look at Joyce. “You will need to get this prescription for prenatal vitamins filled at your local pharmacy. Be sure she takes one a day. They make her feel slightly nauseas so I recommend she take them after a good meal or right before bed time.” He handed her the prescription and looked back and forth between the catatonic Joyce and a very distraught Buffy. He knew the news was going to be some what of a shock, so he also wrote out a prescription for Joyce to get something to help with her nerves.

With a sigh he asked if either one of them had any finally questions. When neither of them said anything he stood up and ushered them to the door. “If you find you have any questions later on, please don’t hesitate to call; you can reach me either here or at my home.”

Joyce looked over at Dr. Olsen with glazed eyes and simply nodded; Buffy nodded in agreement as well and made her way towards the waiting room. Joyce was half way down the hall when she turned back to look at Dr. Olsen. “I’m sorry of I acted like a mad woman in your office; it’s just that this is all so surreal right now.” She let out a heavy sigh.” You weren’t kidding when you said what a shock it was to hear of my daughters…. condition. I don’t think any parent is prepared for that kind of news, especially twice in one life time.” Dr. Olsen knew she was referring to Faith. He smiled knowingly and walked over and gave her a reassuring hug.

“Joyce you’re a good Mother to your girls. You can’t blame yourself for what’s happened; these things just have a way of well, happening.”
Joyce fought back her tears and nodded. Giving him her best ‘I hope I can do this again’ look she said. “Thank you for all you’ve done today in taking care of Buffy. It may not seem like it right now, but I do really appreciate it.” With that being said Joyce turned and walked out door and into the waiting room where her daughter was waiting for her.

Buffy stood by the door waiting for her mother to exit the hall. She was wondering what was taking so long. Her mind was still foggy from the news she had just received. She couldn’t believe what was happening. What would Spike have to say if and when she ever had the chance to tell him? That was a conversation she really wasn’t looking forward to.

When she woke up this morning her biggest problem was what to wear that day; now she had to think of how she was going to raise a child; hers and Spikes child. Her mind drifted to thoughts of a little boy or little girl with Spikes beautiful blue eyes and chiseled cheek bones and a mop of curly blond hair. She couldn’t help but smile softly till Buffy was pulled back to earth by the sound of her mother saying a short goodbye to Anya as she walked past the receptionist desk.

Buffy looked at her mom and tried to read the look on her face. She saw hurt and anger clearly plastered on Joyce’s face. Joyce glanced at her daughter with a stone face and walked right past her and out the door. Buffy sighed and followed after her. When Buffy went to walk out the door she ran smack into her mother’s backside. She had to steady herself against the door frame to keep from falling over.


Slightly annoyed she glared at her Mom and asked “Why did you stop walking, did you…?” Buffy stopped mid sentence as her line of vision followed to where her mother was staring. There in the parking lot was a very familiar black Desoto parked right next to Joyce’s car with an even more familiar platinum blond leaning against it.



TBC

Buffy couldn’t believe her eyes. There he was leaning against his car with a cigarette hanging from his lips and looking as sexy as ever. At that moment, he reminded her of a young James Dean. He was wearing his usual black jeans and tight black t-shirt, but today he had on her favorite long sleeve red button up shirt over his black T. His hair was all disheveled and spiky instead of the usual slicked back look. Only one word could sum up how he looked, yummy.

Spike somehow found himself in the parking lot of Dr. Olsen’s office. He had been driving around aimlessly when he spotted Joyce’s car in the car park. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of Buffy being there. Against his better judgment, he pulled in and parked right next to Joyce. He knew Joyce would be rightly pissed, but he didn’t care; he had to see if Buffy was there. He sat in his car for what seemed like forever. Just as he was about to give up, he spotted Joyce walking out of the building. His heart sank in his gut. He was devastated when he didn’t see Buffy. He was about to start the engine and pull away when he caught site of the object of his affections. Taking a deep breath, he slid out of the car and leaned against the hood waiting for Joyce and Buffy to approach him.

Buffy’s first reaction was to run to Spike but was stopped dead in her tracks by a death grip on her arm. Buffy’s head spun around. “Let me go! I need to speak to Spike!” Buffy attempted to free herself form her mothers grip but Joyce held firm.

“Buffy Anne Summers don’t you dare walk over to that boy!” Joyce ground out with a menacing tone in her voice. Buffy stared at her mother as if she had grown three heads. “How can you expect me to walk past him and not say anything?” Buffy’s voice was tight with emotion. She had to tell him what was going on; she owed him that much. With glassy eyes, she looked her mother straight in the eyes and whispered, “Mom, I love him.” Joyce fought the urge to give in to her daughter; she hated to see her this way but knew if she caved in that any chance of fixing this mess would be ruined. With a stone look, Joyce put both her hands on Buffy’s arms. “You WILL not breathe a word of what we have found out today.” Joyce softened her face slightly and let go of Buffy’s arms. “If you love William half as much as you say you do, then you won’t tell him. Buffy you both have your futures to think of and I don’t see a very bright one if you go and throw a baby in the mix.”

Buffy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her mother was insinuating she give up her baby. Her body went rigid and she put her hand on her still flat tummy in a show of protection. Buffy glared at her mother and lowered her voice to a defensive tone. “I WILL NOT give up this baby! I don’t care what you say; you have no control over this because it is my body, my decision. Period.” Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and jutted her chin out in finality.

Knowing she was defeated for now and not wanting to cause anymore of a scene Joyce leaned in, “We will discuss this later. Now isn’t the time nor the place for this.” Joyce turned from Buffy and slowly approached the young man leaning against his car that she felt was responsible for ruining her young daughters’ life.

Spike straightened his posture and shoved his hands in his pockets to hide the fact that they were shaking uncontrollably. When Joyce stopped in front of him, he cleared his throat and bit back the fear that was boiling inside him.

“Hello Ms. Summers,” Spike managed to squeak out. Joyce was about to open her mouth and completely unload on him, when Spike broke in.

“I know you told me to stay away from Buffy, but I just had to see if she was here. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what happened that morning. I never intended on things happening like this. I ‘m truly sorry for all the trouble I may have caused you and your family.” His voice was full of sincerity.

Spike found it very hard to look Joyce in the face. She was looking at him with such loathing and disgust that it sent shivers straight up his spine. Spike looked down at his feet for a moment. His then snapped his head upright at the sound of two small feet approaching.


They locked eyes for a moment, both reveling in the sight of one another. Buffy felt herself spiraling fast. Fighting back the need to fall in his arms and melt into him, she looked away from his intense gaze .

Spike frowned as he took in her appearance. She was considerably thinner and her eyes were red rimmed as if she had been crying. She seemed smaller than he remembered, almost child-like. His hand was itching to touch her. Before he could stop himself, his hand reached out with a mind of it’s own to stroke her cheek. Before he had the chance to graze her soft skin he had been dreaming about Joyce stepped in between them.

“William I think it would be best if you leave.” Joyce said with a flat voice. As Spike went to protest Joyce put her hand up to halt his objections. “William I’m not asking, I’m telling you. Don’t make me have to do something I really don’t want to do.” The tone in Joyce’s voice told Spike that the topic was not up for discussion.

Spike hanging his head in defeat, turned away slowly and made his way to the driver’s side of his car. He glanced back one last time over his shoulder to get a final look at the girl that was being pulled from his world and his heart all over again.

Buffy wanted to cry out in anguish. Spike was so close that she could reach out and touch him, yet he was still too far away; her mother made sure of that. She tried to move around her mother to at least brush her aching hand against the skin she had been craving so much but her mother instantly wrapped an arm around her to block her, ushered her in the passenger side of the car, and shut the door. Buffy pressed her forehead against the window and looked at a very distraught Spike slumped against his door with his head resting on the frame. She let out a choked sob and let the tears that had been stinging her eyes fall like rain as her mother pulled away and back to the prison she now knew as Revello Drive.


Spike looked up as he heard the Summers’ vehicle pull away. With a sigh, he slipped in his car and finally let go of the tears that had been threatening to fall, flow. His heart felt like it had been ripped right from his chest. There was so much he wanted to say to her and yet he said nothing. He berated himself mentally for being such a coward and not standing up to Joyce, but he knew there was really nothing he could have done or said to make things right.

Gaining composure over his raging emotions, a thought crossed his mind, ‘Why were they at Dr’ Olsen’s office?’ Confusion taking over his brain, he sat for a minute. Thinking over the previous encounter with Joyce and Buffy, Spike got the feeling something was terribly wrong. Bound and determined to get some answers, he pulled out of the parking lot and began to come up with a plan.




TBC





Thanks to Blondie Bear, Cee, and inquisitive1. You guys are my first reviews!

Buffy and Joyce drove in uncomfortable silence. Buffy’s blood was practically boiling with rage at her mother. Once they got home she was so gonna let her mother have it. She glared out of the corner of her eye at her mom just thinking of what she was going to say.

Joyce could feel the anger and rage radiating off her youngest daughter. She knew when they got to the house that; as her daughter would put it, the shit was gonna hit the fan. Joyce mentally prepared herself for the inevitable blow out that was going to occur. Glancing at her daughter, she attempted light conversation. “Would you like to get your vitamins now, or wait to get them tomorrow morning?”

Buffy let out a very unlady like snort and keep her eyes faced forward. “Don’t you dare try to talk to me like nothing has happened. I have nothing to say to you. If you want to stop and get them, fine. Do what ever the hell you want.”

Joyce slammed the brakes and turned to her daughter. “You will watch your language young lady! I am still your mother and you WILL speak to me with the respect that I deserve!”

Buffy had to grab a hold of the side of the door to keep from choking herself on her seatbelt. When she looked over at her mother and saw the rage flash across her eyes, she knew she had crossed the line. Backing down from the confrontation, Buffy crossed her arms over her chest, faced forward, and jutted her chin out defiantly.

It took every ounce of control Joyce had left not to reach over and smack Buffy across the face. Gripping the steering wheel till her knuckles were white, she took a calming breath and continued down the road to the Pharmacy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike parked his car in the drive and made his way in the house. It was nearly 5:30 so he knew his father would be home already. Still caught up in his thoughts on how to see Buffy he never saw his father sitting in his easy chair in the dark with a glass of scotch in his hand.

“William, do pray tell as to why Principal Snyder called my office today to tell me you have been suspended for THREE DAYS!” Giles’ voice rose with the last part of his questioning.

Spike nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of his father’s voice. “Bugger old man! You scared the shit out of me!” It took him a moment to get his heart rate back to normal. Once he gained composure, he stared at his father imploringly. “Why are you sitting in the dark, and are you drunk?”

Giles let out a menacing chuckle. “No William, I’m not drunk but lucky for you I’m not completely sober either.” Giles set his now empty glass on the end table, got up from his seat, and approached his son. “ William you better have a damn good excuse for cutting out of school today, and I swear to God himself if there is even mention once of Buffy Summers in your answer, there WILL be hell to pay,” Giles ground out between clinched teeth. Giles could slowly feel Ripper rising to the surface. When Spike saw a flash of Ripper in his father’s eyes, he decided it would be best to take a less confrontational approach. Backing up slightly, he put a little more distance between them.

Spike sighed heavily and hung his head. “Dad, I couldn’t stay there. Every time I turned around someone would ask how I was doing or if I had seen or talked to Buffy, it was just too much.” Spike felt the tears start to threaten his eyes again. He looked up with pleading eyes to his father for a bit of comfort.

Giles felt his resolve crumble. He was very angry with William, but he was still his son. Taking a deep breath, he softened his features. “Son you have to stop using this as an excuse to do whatever you want. I think I have been fairly patient with you these past few weeks but enough is enough. I don’t think you realize how destructive your being.” Giles went to put a hand on his son’s shoulder but Spike jerked away.

“You think I enjoy feeling this way!” Spike couldn’t hold in his emotions anymore. “I wish I could just stop thinking about Buffy, but I can’t. Do you know how blooding hard this is for me. You act as if I want things so damn awful.” Spike was close to snapping. He knew his father was just trying to help, but it was only enraging him more.

Realizing nothing constructive was going to come of their conversation; Giles pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a heavy sigh. “William I think it would be best if you just went to your room before either of us says something we will regret in the morning.”

Completely exasperated, Giles turned away from his son and made his way to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. Leaning against the counter for support, Giles thought to himself ‘What the buggering hell am I going to do with that boy?’

Spike watched his fathers retreating form go to the kitchen. With nothing left to say and with a heavy heart he walked up the stairs and made his way to his room.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After stopping at the pharmacy to pick up both their prescriptions, the Summers women made their way home in silence. Joyce pulled in the driveway and cut the engine. Turning to face her daughter, she began, “Buffy, we need to talk and I don’t mean yell at each other.” Joyce said in a soft tone. She had enough time to cool off on the drive home to reason with her daughter.

Buffy realizing that being stubborn was going to get her nowhere with her mother nodded in agreement. She was still mad mind you, but calm enough to be civil.

They both got out of the car and entered the house. Joyce set her keys and purse down on the buffet and walked to the answering machine to check messages. Buffy proceeded to go upstairs when here mother called out to her, “Where are you going? I thought you said we could both be adult about this and talk.”

Buffy gave her mother an exhausted look. “I just need to change my clothes and wash my face. I’ll be down in a minute.” With a sigh, she continued her way up the stairs.


After about ten minutes, Joyce was beginning to wonder if Buffy was coming back down stairs. Just as she was fixing to call for her, Buffy came and plopped on the couch. Joyce got up from her desk chair where she was going over documents from the gallery and sat next to Buffy on the couch. Joyce studied her daughter for a moment, taking a cleansing breath as she pressed forward.

“Honey I would like to start with an apology. I am truly sorry for the way I reacted. I know I was being “psycho mom’, but there was just a lot to take in today. First with finding out you’re pregnant and then seeing William in the parking lot, I guess I just freaked is all. You have to know I never meant to hurt you or make you upset; I just want to protect you is all.”

Buffy considered what her mom said before she responded. Organizing her thoughts, she looked her mother in the eyes. “I know that you’re hurt by all this and for that I’m sorry but I won’t apologize for thinking you’re wrong for keeping me away from Spike.” She could see her mother was fixing to say something so she spoke up again. “Keeping me from Spike is the worst thing you can do especially now that we know for a fact that I’m his baby. He has every right to know what’s going on and I have every intention of telling him. I’m not a child anymore. I can make my own decisions. You can’t keep me away from him, as much as you would like to think otherwise. So I’m telling you right now I WILL see him again whether you like it or not.” Buffy said with resolve in her voice.

Joyce sat and stared at her daughter. She thought that their conversation was going well right up to the point where Buffy made it very clear that she was not going to stay away from William. Shaking her head, she looked at Buffy and said what no mother ever wants to say to their child.

“Buffy I really didn’t want things to come to this, but you leave me no choice. You either leave that boy alone or you’re going to have to go stay elsewhere. I will not have you under mind me. If you can’t live by my rules, then you can’t stay here.” Joyce’s heart was breaking inside but she kept up her front to make sure her daughter saw she was done playing games.

Buffy’s jaw dropped in shock. Her mother was actually giving her an ultimatum of whether she played by her rules or got the hell out. Anger taking over, she stood and glared down at her mother. “Fine! I don’t want to live with someone who’s going to treat me like I’m some kind of criminal. I’m sure Willow’s parents wouldn’t mind if I stay with them until I can get on my feet,” Buffy barked at her mother.

Joyce jumped up from her seat. “I don’t think so missy, you’re going to go stay with either your father or Faith. You won’t be anywhere near William!” Joyce yelled back at her.

“I will not and I repeat will not live with Dad, besides he’s never even there,” Buffy was seething.

“Fine! Then you’ll stay with Faith till the baby‘s born. It doesn’t matter because by the time you come back William will have already have left for college and forgotten about you!” Joyce’s hand flew over her mouth when she realized what she had just said.

Buffy felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room. Her eyes welled with tears and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She hunched over gasping for breath as all her worst fears were brought to light.

Joyce rushed to her daughter to help her stand straight. When she reached out a hand to her, Buffy pulled away as if she had been burned. She gave her mother a look that could freeze holy water.

Joyce feeling great remorse for what she said sat on the edge of the sofa. “Buffy, I didn’t mean what I said, you have to believe me.” Joyce’s voice cracked with emotion.

Void of all emotion Buffy said the last words she ever planed on saying to her mother for a long time. “You know what? It doesn’t matter if you meant it or not, it doesn’t change anything. From this point on, I don’t want you to have anything to do with me or MY baby. You wanted us gone, well you got it.” With that being said Buffy walked out of the living room, up the stairs and to what was soon to be, not her room.

Joyce let out an anguished cry. She had done the unthinkable, pushed her daughter away for good. She didn’t know if her heart could stand anymore pain than what it already had. First Faith and now Buffy. She was beginning to question what kind of mother she was. Who could be so cruel as to say a thing like that to their child? The answer was; her. Trying to pull herself together, Joyce went up the stairs to her room to make the inevitable call to Faith and Lindsey to make arrangements for Buffy to move in with them. She didn’t like it, but she had no other choice.




TBC








Thanks to Mac, Kimber, cee, and stace for the reviews. You guys are my motivators to getting me to put out chapters quicker. You guys are great! Kuddos!

Once Joyce reached the privacy of her own room, she picked up the phone and dialed Faith and Lindsey’s number. After a few rings the line connected.

“Hello”
“Lindsey, it’s Joyce. Is Faith around?” Joyce said distantly.
Lindsey could sense a bit of sadness to her voice. “No, she we went to pick up Sam from her play date, but she should be back any minute. Do you want me to have her give you a call when she gets in?”
“Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you,” her voice caught in her throat.
“Is everything okay Joyce? You sound a bit off.” His voice was full of concern. Lindsey wasn’t exactly close with his mother-n-law, but they had managed to get past their differences of the past.

With a shaky breath Joyce continued. “No Lindsey, everything is not okay.” Joyce proceeded to tell Lindsey of all the events that had occurred over the last month and a half including that evening’s blow out with Buffy. “Lindsey I want Buffy to come stay with you and Faith till the baby comes. I would ask Hank but he isn’t exactly cut out for this kind of thing. Do you think you can help me out?”

Lindsey was speechless. He couldn’t believe what Joyce was saying. He had always thought of Buffy as this little innocent girl and now here she was, a single mother. He knew how hard it must be for Joyce to come to him and ask such a big favor. Remembering all the shit they had been through not even five years ago, Lindsey knew what he had to do. After a brief silence Lindsey spoke up, “Joyce, we’ll do anything we can to help. I need to run this by Faith before I give you our final answer, but I’m sure she’ll have no problem letting Buffy come stay with us.” Lindsey said in a soft tone, thinking to himself ‘with lots of persuasion on my part.’

Letting out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding she replied, “Lindsey you have no idea how much this means to me.”

Lindsey let out a sigh, “Joyce, if it were totally up to me I would tell you yes in a heartbeat, but I really have to talk to Faith first. I can’t make any promises.”

Joyce reassured Lindsey she understood completely. “I understand you have to talk this over with Faith, but please make sure she really understands why I’m doing this. Faith and I don’t always see eye to eye. She’s going to automatically think this is a bad idea especially since she was in the same situation not too long ago. It was hard enough when Faith left and I had no idea where she went but I can’t stand the idea of loosing my baby and not knowing if she’s alright. Buffy and I aren’t exactly on speaking terms right now so if she’s with you guys I know she’ll be with people who love her as much as I do.” Joyce wiped the tears away that had silently leaked from her eyes.

Lindsey’s heart went out to Joyce. He had caused her a lot of the pain over the last few years and saw this as an opportunity to make it up to her. He would do everything in his power to help his distraught mother-n-law in any way he could; he owed it to her. Reassuring Joyce he would talk to Faith and get back to her later that evening with there final decision, he said goodbye and hung up the phone.

Just as he put the receiver down, he heard keys in the front door. He turned to see his wife and a very excited 4-year-old come bustling through the door. He smiled and let out a chuckle at the site of Faith struggling to carry a couple of Wal-mart bags and Sam’s backpack while trying to balance the wiggly little girl on her hip.

Faith looked at him with the ‘if you don’t get your ass over here and help me out you’re sleeping on the couch tonight buddy’ look. Knowing if he didn’t come help soon he would have hell to pay, he walked over and took Sam out of Faith’s arms. Spinning her in circles as she giggled fitfully, he gave her a big squeeze. “Hey darlin’, how’s my favorite girl?” Lindsey drawled out in his smooth mid western accent.

Sam wrapped her arms around her daddy’s neck and squeezed. “I missed you today! I had the mostest fun over at Hannah’s house. We even got to have ice cream after dinner!” she squeaked out.

Putting his daughter down on her own feet, he squatted in front of her. “I’m glad you had a good time today baby. How ‘bout you go in the livin’ room and go watch a video before bed time so I can talk to your Momma, how’s that sound?” He ruffled her hair as she shrieked in agreement and ran off to watch T.V.

Lindsey walked over to Faith, snaked his arms around her from behind, and nuzzled the back of her neck, lightly nipping at the sensitive skin right behind her ear. Faith turned her self in his arms so she was facing him. “What do you think your doing? You told Sam she was your favorite girl. You think you can have your cake and eat it too?” she teased seductively. Lindsey looked at her with lustful eyes. “Well she’s one of them.” He said in a husky tone as he leaned in and started planting wet open mouth kisses on her neck. Faith tilted her neck to give him better access, when she realized something was up, he was being way too affectionate.

Pushing him away and taking a steadying breathe she raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s with all the trying to get pouncey in the hallway, huh? You must have done something you’re trying to make up for.” Faith looked at him skeptically.

“What, I can’t just be glad to see my wife?” Lindsey asked giving her his best innocent look

Faith not believing a word of it, raised an eyebrow at him. “Spill it McDonald.” Faith had known her husband way too long to buy his crap.

Lindsey gave her a cheeky grin. “Well you can’t blame me for tryin’.” He huffed and shrugged his shoulders. When Faith gave him a death glare he knew he better start talking and fast. “Your Mom called while you where gone.” He winced slightly preparing for the blow out.

Faith groaned. “This can’t be good; the only time she calls is for birthdays, holidays, and when something’s wrong. You didn’t come out with it as soon as I walked in the door so I assume no one’s dead, which can only mean that she needs something.” Faith said dryly as she rolled her eyes.

Lindsey was not sure of how to approach the situation, just got straight to the point. “Buffy’s pregnant.” When his wife looked like she might pass out from shock, Lindsey helped her to the kitchen to give her all the details.

Once Lindsey got Faith something to drink, he gave her a minute to come out of her stupor. He replayed his earlier conversation with Joyce; being sure to emphasize on how upset Joyce was. He let Faith have a moment to process everything before he pushed forward.

“Darlin’ I know this must be a shock to you, but I think it might be a good idea to have her come stay with us for a while.” Lindsay said in a soft tone as he reached across the table to stroke her hand.

Faith looked Lindsey in the eyes. “Are you kidding me? If we let my sister stay here that means my mother is gonna want me to spy on her and keep track of everything she does. I’m sorry but I just can’t do that.” Faith crossed her arms across her chest. Faith was nobody’s watchdog.

Not sure how to persuade her; he tried a different approach. “Faith you remember what it was like when we went through this. Well now Buffy’s in the same boat, except she has nowhere else to go. This William kid …” he was cut off by a furious Faith. She bolted up from her seat.

“Did you say WILLIAM? I’m gonna kill him!” Faith was seeing red. She had known him since he was just a kid, and now he had knocked up her sister.

Lindsey pulled her back down onto her chair. “Keep your voice down; Sam’s in the next room. Now listen to me, if we don’t let Buffy stay here she’s just gonna run off somewhere and only God knows what could happen to her or the baby. Faith we need to do this; if not for your mom, then for Buffy.” Lindsey told her sternly. Faith’s resolve crumbled instantly.

The look on Faith’s face told him that he had finally gotten through to her. Leaning across the table, he placed a kiss on her forehead. He winked at her “that’s my girl.” Faith gave him a skeptical look, “I don’t like it, but your right. Buffy needs me right now. You call my Mom and tell her YOU’LL pick her up, I’m so not gonna deal with my Mom.” Faith said as she put her hands in the air as to show she was washing her hands of the situation.

As she got up to leave out of the kitchen to check on Sam, she hollered over her shoulder, “If we leave those two alone for too long after what went down tonight; there’s libel to be some blood shed.”

Lindsey let out a nervous laugh and bellowed to her in the living room. “I guess I’ll be picking her up tomorrow; maybe they won’t kill each other in their sleep.” Faith let out a bout of laughter, “Only if you’re lucky!”
With a shake of his head; he went to the phone and dialed the familiar number to the Summers’ household to give Joyce the news that would hopefully help elevate some of there problems.



TBC




Thanks to stace, jenny, cee, ironic..., beverly, Stacie Bower, Jess, Brittany, Mac, and last but not least Kimber for the thoughtful reviews. Make a girl blush! Kuddos

Buffy slept in late the next morning, yet she didn’t feel rested at all. She kept having dreams of Spike coming to her in the middle of the night to rescue her from the hell that had now become her life. In her dreams, Spike would crawl through her window and wake her with a chaste kiss on the lips. He would look at her with love in his eyes and smile, but when she would reach out to him, he would simply disappear.

Buffy opened her tear-swollen eyes and squinted at the light that filtered through her curtains. She glanced over at the alarm clock on her nightstand and noticed it was already 10:30 am. Stretching her aching limbs and throwing her feet over the edge her bed, she decided to go get showered and dressed for the day.

Joyce could hear the shower running upstairs from the kitchen and knew her daughter had finally decided to get out of bed. Knowing Buffy wasn’t going to come to her; she decided to wait for her in Buffy’s room.

Buffy took her time in the shower, letting the warm spray ease her tense muscles. When the water started to run cold, she climbed out of the shower, toweled dry, put on her bathrobe and made her way back to her room. She opened the door to find Joyce sitting on the edge of her bed. “Get. Out.” Buffy grounded out through clenched teeth.

Joyce sighed. “Buffy I know you’re not happy with me right now, but….” Joyce was cut off by an enraged Buffy.

“Not happy with you? That is an understatement,” she snorted sarcastically, “I told you yesterday, I don’t want you to have anything to do with me and I meant it!” She screamed at her mother. Turning her back on her, she went to her closet to find something to put on.

Joyce stood from her sitting position and walked to the door. “That’s fine Buffy. If that’s the way you really want things.” Taking a steadying breath; getting her emotions in check, she said over her shoulder in a flat emotionless voice, “You need to have your things packed and ready to go by the time Lindsey gets here to take you back with him to LA to stay with your sister. He should be here in a few hours, so you don’t have much time.” Not sparing her daughter a second glance she walked out the door and shut it behind her. Leaning back against the shut door, Joyce closed her eyes and let her tears fall like rain.

Buffy stood in front of her closet feeling empty. She was actually going to be leaving her home in Sunnydale to start a new life in her sisters’ home, a life without Spike. Thinking she had no more tears left to cry, Buffy pulled out her suitcases from the back of her closet. When she pulled them out, the sheets she had saved from her night with Spike tumbled out. She stared at them as fresh tears filled her eyes. She gathered them in her arms bringing them to her nose; inhaling their scent. Resolve washing over her, she vowed to herself she would do everything in her power to get him back. She refolded the sheets, placed them carefully in her suitcase, and began packing her things.

Lindsey arrived at the Summers’ house a little after 2 o’clock. It had taken him a little longer than he had expected due to lunch hour traffic, but he was still early enough to make it back before Faith got home with Sam. He wanted to let Buffy have time to get settled in before Faith inevitably laid into her with the tons of questions she would most likely have. Getting out of his car, he made his way to the front door Before he even had the chance to knock, the door flew open and Buffy shrugged past him and made her way to his car without a word being said. Looking over his shoulder confused, he saw Buffy get in the car and slam the door, arms crossed over her chest. Looking back at the front door, he saw a weary looking Joyce.

“Hey Joyce,” he said in a soft tone. They stood in acquired silence for a moment. When Lindsey realized Joyce wasn’t going to say anything, he cleared his throat and spoke up. “Sorry I can’t be here under better circumstances, but does Buffy have her things ready. I would really like to get back in time to let her get settled in before the house becomes a complete zoo.” Joyce just simply nodded her head and pointed to the suitcases sitting at the bottom of the stairs.

With a few trips, Lindsey loaded her bags in the car. Slamming the trunk shut, he saw Joyce come to the end of the porch steps. Lindsey walked around the car and approached Joyce and gave her a warm hug. “Don’t worry. Things will get better, you’ll see.” He whispered in a comforting voice. Joyce pulled away and gave him a weak watery smile. “I hope so.”

As Lindsey started for the car, Joyce called out to him, “Promise me you’ll take care of my baby?” Lindsey gave her a sad smile and replied, “I’ll watch over her with my life.” With a nod of her head, Joyce turned and walked into her now empty house.

Lindsey got in the car and looked over at Buffy. “Hey kiddo, you gonna be alright?” Buffy turned to face her brother-n-law and with a stone face as she answered him “No.” Lindsey gave her knee a squeeze and a soft smile before starting the car. Buffy took one last look at the house on Revello Drive. A place that once held her child hood, now, was no longer her home.


TBC


Thanks to Kimber, jamesluvr, melissa g, BuffyandSpikeForever, and stace for the toughtful reviews. Also a big thanks to my beta Vicki. You Rock! Kuddos!

Joyce sat in her living room just feeling the emptiness of the house. She looked around the room and took notice of all the pictures scattered around the room of her once happy life, all the happy memories. That’s all she had left, memories. This was the first time in her life she had ever really been alone. She had gone straight from her parents to Hank. When Hank left she still had her girls, but now she had no one. Joyce thought to herself bitterly, ‘I guess it’s true what they say; you always hurt the ones you love’. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she got up and made a much-needed phone call.

Lindsey and Buffy made the long trip to LA in complete silence. The only time anything was said was when Lindsey asked if she would like for him to stop and get her a bite to eat; which Buffy just simply shook her head ‘no’ and continued to stare out the window. After the ride that seemed like it would never end to both passengers, they finally pulled into the driveway of Buffy’s new home. Realizing the car had stopped; Buffy sat up and looked over at Lindsey. He gave her a soft smile and got out of the car.

Buffy slid out of the passenger side of the vehicle and took in the small house before her. It gave the vibe that a loving family lived there. It wasn’t an extravagant house by any means, but it was homey just the same. There were a few toys scattered here and there and a small toddler training bike lying in the yard. The yard itself was well manicured and she could still smell fresh cut grass. Buffy couldn’t help the small smile that curled at her lips, but it only lasted the briefest of moments when she remembered why she was there in the first place.

It had been almost a year since the one and only time she had been here. She and her mother had come for Sam’s fourth birthday party and only stayed for a few hours. Now she was going to be living here, for how long was anybodies’ guess. The sound of bags hitting the concrete tore her away from her from her musings. She looked back to see Lindsey struggling with her things.

“I can take some of those.” Her words caused Lindsey’s head to snap up. “That’s alright darlin’, I think I can handle it. Besides I don’t think you should be liftin’ anything too heavy.” His voice was soft with his smooth Mid-western accent.

Buffy looked at him with a confused look on her face. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, you know, in your condition.” Lindsey ducked his head as his cheeks tinted slightly with his embarrassment. He was still having a hard time bending his mind around the idea that Buffy was no longer a little girl.

Buffy let out a soft “oh” and her cheeks went scarlet. Both unable to look at each other, Buffy decided to speak up. “Well I guess if you, uh give me the house keys, I can open the door for you if you like?” her voice shy.

Lindsey smiled at her. “That’d be great!” Tension lifting slightly, Lindsey fished his keys out of his pocket and tossed them to her adding, “It’s the pink one.” Noticing the raise of her brow, he gave her a knowing glance. “That’s what I get for letting a 4 yr. old pick out the key,” he said with a deep laugh.

Giving him her first real smile in over a month, she let out a small chuckle and made her way to open the door to her new life.


Joyce sat and waited for the line to pick up. She had almost pulled the hem completely from her blouse by the time she heard the British accent on the other end of the line.

“Hello,” came the voice across the line.

Joyce sat for a moment unable to speak. When the other person sent out another demanding hello, she spoke up “May I speak with Rupert Giles please?” she tried to sound as if it was an official call unsure if William had answered the phone.

“This is he; may I ask who is calling?” Giles thought the voice sounded familiar, but he didn’t want to be presumptuous in assuming it was Joyce.

Joyce let out a relieved sigh. “Rupert, it’s Joyce. You don’t know how relieved I am, I thought you where William.” Not wanting to put this off any longer Joyce got right down to business. “I know you must be shocked to hear from me, but there is something I need to tell you. It is very important though that you don’t breathe a word of this to William.” Sensing his hesitance Joyce waited for him to acknowledge before she continued.

Giles was beyond shocked to hear Joyce’s voice on the other end of the phone. Clearly intrigued by her sudden need to phone him he replied hesitantly. “Well I assure you Joyce, I will do my best, but I can’t make any promises.” Giles could tell that Joyce was none too pleased with his response by her silence. With that, he added, “He is still my son and I think I have put him through quite enough to not add to the strain on our quite fragile relationship, so with that being said; you are confiding in me at your own discretion.”

With a heavy sigh, she pressed forward. “Well Rupert I’m sure once you hear what I have to say, you just might change your mind as to how much you tell William.” With a short pause, she took the final leap. “Rupert, Buffy’s pregnant.”

Giles nearly dropped the telephone at Joyce’s admission. He was with out a doubt gob-smacked. Never in a million years would he have suspected ever having this conversation with Joyce Summers. His mind was a haze of emotions. Finally getting somewhat of a grip on himself, he muttered out, “Oh dear Lord. What are they going to do?”

Joyce spoke up with resolve in her voice, “Nothing.”

Giles was clearly confused. “What do you ever mean?”

“I mean, there is no ‘they’.” Joyce said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Giles couldn’t hide the irritation in his voice from all of her cryptic talk. “What are you talking about? This is clearly Williams’s child she’s carrying. So how in the bloody hell can there not be a ‘they’?” Giles wanted answers and he wanted answers now.

Clearly seeing that Giles didn’t understand what she was getting at, she decided it was time to tell him everything. “I sent Buffy to stay with her sister till after the baby is born. If and when she comes home is still up for discussion.” She told him matter of factly.

Giles was astonished. How Joyce could simply turn her back on her daughter when she would now need her most was beyond him. Unable to hold his tongue any longer, he voiced his opinion. “How on earth could you have done such a thing? Buffy needs you now more than ever. No girl should have to go through an experience like this without her mother.” Giles couldn’t help the anger he felt toward Joyce. He had always looked at Buffy as the daughter he never had. Trying unsuccessfully to get a grip on his emotions he continued, “Joyce I understand you’re upset with her, but this has gone way too far. You have to bring Buffy home before you destroy your relationship with her anymore than you already have. Besides this isn’t just Buffy’s life you’re dealing with, it’s Williams too!”

Joyce was seeing red. She could not believe he had the audacity to tell her what she ‘needed’ to do. Before she could stop herself; her words came flying out of her mouth. “How dare you! You have no idea what this is doing to me. Do you think this is how I wanted things to turn out? I did this not only to protect Buffy but so William WOULD have a life! Maybe if you had installed better values in YOUR son, then none of this would have happened!” She knew she had crossed the line, but it was too late to back down now.

Having had quite enough, Giles felt it was his turn to say something. “If you’re quite finished; I’m going to say one last thing and then this conversation is finished.” He spit out at her, “Only you and you alone will have to deal with the repercussions of your actions as far as Buffy is concerned. I on the other hand, will NOT push my son away for the sake of making YOU feel you are doing what is in the best interest of our children.” Joyce went to object, but Giles cut her off. “You have no right to keep this information from William, so I have every intention of telling him of Buffy’s condition and if …..” Giles was cut off by a voice that could freeze over hell. He had been so caught up in his verbal battle with Joyce he never heard Spike enter the room.

In a menacing tone, Spike ground out “What bloody condition?”




TBC


Thanks for the reviews! I just love you guys! Kuddos!

Giles turned to see Spike standing in the entryway, fists clenched and jaw set. He had been clearly standing there long enough to overhear the tail end of his conversation with Joyce, hence his out raged demeanor. Unsure of how to handle the situation, he decided it best to wrap up his conversation with Joyce.

“Joyce, I must let you go, something has come up.” Without waiting for her to reply, he hung up the phone. Placing the hand set on the end table, he took a ragged breath and looked at his son. “William, I think you should have a seat. There are some things I believe we should discuss,” his tone expressing the seriousness of the situation. Spike still in full rage glared at his father and hissed out, “I’ll do fine by staying where I’m at.” Giles knowing he was defeated, adjusted his glasses and decided it would just be best to get on with it. “Right then, well I presume you know that it was Joyce on the phone.” With the curt nod of his son’s head, he continued, “and the subject matter was about Buffy.” Taking a slight pause to gauge his son’s reaction, he continued. “I am afraid I have some very disturbing news to relay.”

Spike felt his stomach fall clear to the floor; blind panic hit him as every possible thought ran through his mind at once. His complexion took on an ashen tone and he fought the urge to throw up. Afraid his legs would give way beneath him, he sat down on the closest thing he could find. With petrified eyes, he looked at his father and blurted out, “Oh God is she hurt?”

Taking in his sons ghastly appearance, Giles hurried across the room and stood in front of his son who was now perched on the hutch in the entry way.

“William are you alright?” his voice was full of concern.

When Spike didn’t respond, Giles heaved him off the hutch and started for the living room. “Here,” he grunted as he supported Spike’s boneless form, “let’s get you in the living room where you can have a proper seat.” Setting him down as gracefully as he could on the sofa, he took up the cushion next to him. “William would you like me to get you something to drink?”

Spike finally came out of his catatonic state and snapped out, “I don’t want anything to bloody drink! What I do want is for you to tell what the buggering hell is going on!” Giles seeing that his son was in no mood to beat around the bush, let out an exasperated sigh, “William, Buffy’s fine. Well what I mean is that she’s not hurt, but there is something of concern.”

Spike wanted to reach over and shake his father. He let out a groan of aggravation, “Well get on with it already! What’s wrong with Buffy?”

Giles cleared his throat and removed his glasses to clean them as he gave his son the news that would soon change his life forever. “William, Buffy’s pregnant.”

Before Giles even had time to get in another word edge wise, Spike was out the door. Giles rushed to stop him but by the time he got to the front door all he could see was the taillights of his son’s Desoto. Looking to the sky cursing the powers that be, he muttered, “Buggering fucking hell!”



Spike pulled his car in the vacant lot across from the park. He sat for a moment just watching life happen all around him. He felt as if he was on the outside of a huge bubble just watching things happen and having absolutely no control over anything.

He got out of his vehicle and started across the street to the swing sets. He thought about the times when he and Buffy would come here after school and just talk for hours as he would push her on the swings; times were much simpler then. Taking a seat on a vacant swing, he saw out of the corner of his eye a little girl in the sand box. She couldn’t have been more than 4 yrs old, but for some reason she had his undivided attention.

He stared at the little girl; wondering what had him so enamored. She was a cute little thing with rosy cheeks and golden blond ringlets that fell past her waist. She sat playing alone in the sand with a huge smile plastered on her face as if she hadn’t a care in the world, innocence just radiating off her.

As if the little girl could feel someone staring at her, she turned to Spike and gave him a dazzling smile as she squinted her deep green eyes at the bright sun. Spike returned her smile and noticed the way her nose scrunched in the most adorable little wrinkle he had ever seen in his life. His thoughts suddenly turned to Buffy; she scrunched her nose the same way when she was in deep thought. He wondered if this was what Buffy looked like as a little girl, then without warning, the little girl came over to the swings and tugged on Spike’s shirtsleeve pulling him from his thoughts. Jumping slightly he looked down at the child before him.

“’Ello little bit.” Spike said with a grin on his face.

“Hi,” came the small voice. “You look sad.”

Spike was taken aback by the little girl’s observation. “No worries little bit; I just have a lot on my mind; that’s all.” He didn’t know why, but the little girl made him feel at ease. She giggled at the pet name he used. “My name is Emily, not little bit.” She put her hands on her little hips in mock anger. Spike chuckled and apologized “Pardon me Miss Emily; can you ever forgive me?” he used his best upper class British accent. Emily let out a full-blown laugh as sat on the swing next to him; realizing she was talking to a complete stranger, she shied away slightly. Spike noticing her retreat back into herself slightly he asked in a confused tone “What’s wrong princess?” Looking at him with shy eyes, she whispered, “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

Seeing that she was becoming uneasy Spike gave her a soft smile, “My name is William. It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Emily.” He said it as he stuck out his hand to her. She gave a cheeky grin and took his hand, “now we’re not strangers anymore.” Spike chuckled softly and replied, “I guess we’re not.” They where swinging in comfortable silence when a woman walked over to the swing set.

Sorry, I hope she wasn’t bothering you. Emily doesn’t know what a stranger is.” The woman said in an apologetic tone. Spike gave her a soft smile, “Not at all, as a matter of fact, she was a welcome distraction.” The woman gave Spike a soft smile as she walked over to collect her daughter from the swing. With a polite nod, she grabbed Emily’s hand and started for their car. Emily stopped her mother, pulled her hand away, and ran back to Spike. “I hope you feel better soon William,” she leaned in and gave him a hug and a soft peck on his cheek. Blushing, she ran back to her mother and continued to their car.

Spike’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as he choked out in a hushed tone, “Me too princess, me too.”



TBC


Huge thanks to gypsy_jin, BuffyandSpikeForever, Seraiza, Kimber, Brittany, rockerbaby, Jennie, stace, shippy, Stacie Bower, Anne, blondiebear, ravenxrobin, jamesluvr , and melissa g for the amazing review. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Thanks! Kuddos!

Spike left the park feeling lost, but he knew one thing for sure, he had to see Buffy. He knew he couldn’t just walk up to her door step and knock on the door; no, he had to do it without Joyce finding out. Getting into his car Spike decided to drive around till the time came to go and see Buffy.

As soon as Joyce got off the phone with Rupert, she felt a deep sense of dread wash over her. She wasn’t sure but she was almost positive she had heard William in the background. If that was the case, things where bound to get ugly from here on out.

Making her way upstairs with every intention of taking a hot soothing bath, she found herself in Buffy’s room. Looking at the almost barren room, Joyce found for the first time thinking that maybe she had made a huge mistake by sending Buffy away. Sitting in the same rocking chair that her mother had given to her, she succumbed to her emotions and began to weep uncontrollably. After some time, exhaustion took over and Joyce gave in to sleep.

Spike parked his car four houses down from the all too familiar house on Revello Drive. Looking at the clock radio, he noted that it was 10:30 and Joyce would surely be in bed by now. Getting out of the car as quietly as possible so not to alarm anyone he was there, he snuck his way in the back yard and climbed the tree that stood outside Buffy’s window.

He slowly climbed the tree and jumped with panther-like grace onto the roof. Crawling carefully as to not skid off, he slid the window open. Throwing a leg over the ledge, he scooted in the window. Not realizing his shirt was hung up on the sill, he tumbled to the floor with a loud thump. Scrambling to his feet, he never noticed Joyce in the rocking chair in the corner.

Joyce’s eyes flew open and she let out a loud shriek. Searching for something to use as a weapon, Joyce fumbled for the first thing she could find. She grabbed the lamp off the nightstand and swung at her intruder.

Spike nearly jumped right out the window at the sound of someone shrieking on the other side of the room. Head snapping in the direction of the shrill cry, he narrowly missed being hit upside the head with a lamp. Jumping back, he hit the wall and let out a roar. “BLOODY HELL!”

Joyce stopped her second attempt mid-swing when she realized who had come through her daughter’s window. She tossed the lamp on the bed relieved that it wasn’t a burglar. Looking over at the young man plastered against the wall, she said in a deadly tone, “Do tell me William, what the hell are you doing in my daughter’s room?”

Spike trying to get his heart out of his throat, took a raged breath and stuttered out, “I-I came to See-ee Buff—Buffy.”

Joyce crossed the room with deadly eyes focused on him. “Give me one good reason I shouldn’t call the police right now and have your ass thrown in jail!” Joyce was beyond pissed. She had been through too much shit that day to even begin to see any reason.

Spike saw the anger boiling in her eyes. He backed up slightly and spoke up. “Joyce I just wanted to talk to Buffy, that’s all.” Looking down at his feet he continued, “My Dad told me about Buffy. I just wanted to make sure she was alright. I can only imagine how scared she must be.” His voice was full shame. Joyce backed off slightly. He looked so young standing there with his head hung when she noticed his gaze drift to the bed.

Spike glanced at the bed and noticed it was completely made. He was confused to as why Buffy hadn’t come to see what all the commotion was. Looking back to Joyce, he gave her a questioning stare.

Joyce looked him in the eye, “William go home.” She was praying to anyone who would listen that he wouldn’t notice how empty the room was, but like everything else, she wasn’t so lucky.

Spike didn’t even hear Joyce. He looked at the now sparse bedroom. All of the pictures that used to cover the walls and dressers were now gone and the closet was now full of empty hangers. But what got his attention the most was that the spot that held Mr. Gordo, Buffy’s most prized possession, was empty.

He was pulled from his observing by Joyce grabbing him by his shoulders. “William, I said GO. HOME.” her voice full of resolve. Spike opened and closed his mouth as if to say something, but noting came out. Joyce, clearly seeing the hurt in his eyes, let out a sigh and softened her tone. “William listen to me. Buffy’s gone. I’m sorry but that’s just how things have to be. Now go home. Your father is probably wondering where you are.” With that, Joyce turned and walked out of the room.

Spike sank to the bed, sitting for a moment soaking in everything that just happened. He dropped his head in his hands. As he hung his head, a green piece of material poking from underneath the bed caught his eye. Crouching down he pulled it out. It was one of the t-shirts he had left over from the day they had gone to the beach. He had seen Buffy wear it so much he had told her to just keep it. Bringing it to his nose, he inhaled deeply. It smelled of vanilla and something uniquely Buffy. As tears ran down his face, he threw the shirt over his shoulder and made his way out the window to go home.


TBC


Thanks to Aisling, nmb, Seraiza, jamesluvr, gypsy_jin, alexandrea, BuffyandSpikeForever, spikester0889, and stace for the inspiring reviews. You have no idea how much it really pushes me to push out these chapters. Kuddos!

Buffy was just getting settled in when she heard the sound of the front door closing. Not ready to face her sister, she walked across the room and shut her door. Looking around her new room, she felt out of place; like she didn’t quite belong. Lindsey had gone above and beyond trying to make her feel welcome; telling her to make herself at home, but the fact of the matter was this wasn’t her home. Her home was in Sunnydale with Spike.

Faith stumbled in the door after a very hyper 4 year old; arms loaded with groceries. She had decided to stop by the store and pick up some extra things that she knew Buffy would like. Even though she wasn’t thrilled with the fact that her mother had dumped her sister in her care; she was going to make sure she felt wanted. Seeing that Lindsey was already in the kitchen, Faith made her way there to go put away the groceries. Faith dumped her bags on the counter and proceeded to question Lindsey about his trip. In a sarcastic tone, she asked, “So, how was your trip to good ol’ Sunnyhell?”

Lindsey rolled his eyes, “Fine.” Dodging a bag of pretzels flying at his head, he gave Faith a pointed look. “Hey! What was that for?”

Faith, unable to hold back a chuckle replied, “You know I hate when you roll your eyes.”

He rolled his eyes again and continued, “I didn’t have a whole lot of time to talk to your Mom, but from what I gathered, she’s not doing so good. When I got there Buffy just stormed out of the house and sat in the car till we left; didn’t even say goodbye or nothin’.”

Now it was Faiths’ turn to roll her eyes. “Well then I guess this should make today all kinds of fun.” she said in a dry tone.

Lindsey just shook his head and chuckled to himself. “I took the liberty of calling Joyce to let her know we got in okay so you wouldn’t have to call.”

Faith walked over, wrapped her arms around his neck, and planted a big kiss to his lips. “I knew there was a reason I loved you so much.” her tone full of gratitude.

Lindsey smiled and pulled from her embrace. When Faith looked at him questioningly, he added, “Just keep that in mind when you have to go in and tell Buffy that your mom will be here day after tomorrow to bring by her transcripts for school and her medical records.” Letting out a laugh at his wife’s shocked look he went in the living room to see how his daughter’s day was. Faith glowered at him as he left the kitchen and made her way to Buffy’s room.

Faith knocked lightly on the shut door; not hearing an invitation, she opened it slowly and entered. “Hey B, how’s it shaken?”

Buffy looked up from the magazine she was reading and glared at her sister. “Knock much?”

Trying to keep her temper in check; Faith pushed forward, “Well I did knock, you just didn’t answer, so I figured I would let myself in, you know, see how you were doing.”

Buffy gave her a fake smile and rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, you want to be all big sister and try to get me to confide in you. Well guess what? So not gonna happen. I don’t want to talk about it so if that’s all you’re here for you might as well not waste your time.”

That was it. Faith was not about to sit back and take her shit. “You listen here B; you can check your little attitude at the door. I’m not Mom, so I ain’t gonna put up with the bitch routine. I know this isn’t your idea of fun, but guess what, life ain’t always fair. We can do this the easy way or the hard way; that’s totally up to you. Now IF you need someone to talk to you know I got your back, but I won’t be your whipping post. Got it?” Faith stood arms crossed over her chest and a look on her face that said ‘don’t fuck with me.

Knowing she had no room to bargain; Buffy simply rolled her eyes and complied “Got it.”

Faith, still irritated with her little sister, let an evil grin play over her face. Leaning in she told her sister in a mock innocent tone, “Oh, and by the way, Mom will be here day after tomorrow. Just thought you might want to know.” Enjoying the look of complete and utter furry that crossed her sister’s face, she turned to leave. Just as she was out the door she called over her shoulder, “And dinner is in an hour, so be ready to eat.”

The only response Faith got was outraged roar.

Having no intention of coming out for dinner, Buffy changed into her ‘yummy sushi’ pajamas and crawled in bed. She was lying in her bed reading when she heard the door crack open. Buffy was just about to lay into the person on the other side of the door when she saw a little head pop through the door; pushing all anger aside she called out to the little person, “Hey Sammy baby, come on in and climb up here with Aunt B.” Sam bounced in the room and jumped into the bed.

“Aunt B, Mommy said you’re gonna live here with us. Is it true?” Sam looked up at her excitedly with big chocolate eyes. Buffy’s heart melted instantly. “Yeah, but just for a little while.” The look of disappointment evident on her little face was just too much. Buffy pulled her close under her arm and reassured her, “Don’t worry Sammy, I promise I’ll stay long enough for us to do all kinds of fun stuff, just you and me. How’s that sound?”

The sound of her niece’s squeal of approval was almost deafening.

Sam was jumping up and down jabbering about all the fun things she and Buffy could do when Lindsey poked his head in the door, “Hey kiddos, dinner’s ready.”

Sam jumped from the bed and darted out the room to the dining room; Buffy simply picked up her magazine and started reading from where she left off.

Lindsey walked in the room and sat on the edge of the bed “Buffy, why don’t you come on out and have some dinner? You’ve got to be starvin’; you haven’t had a bite to eat all day.” His smooth voice caused Buffy to look up at him.

She gave him an appreciative look, “Really Lindsey, I’m not hungry.” At that moment, her stomach decided to betray her by letting out an audible growl.

Lindsey chuckled softly, “Well I think your stomach thinks otherwise.”

Buffy gave him a sheepish look, “Well maybe just a little dinner won’t hurt, but I have to get dressed first.”

Lindsey looked at her like she was crazy. “Darlin’ this is your house now too, you don’t have to dress for dinner. Now get on out there and get something to eat; growing girl like yourself needs a good meal.”

Buffy leaned over, gave him a big hug, and whispered in his ear, “Thank you Lindsey, for everything.”

Pulling back, Lindsey looked her in the eye “No need to thank me; just looking out for one of my favorite girls.”

At that moment, Faith decided to walk in “So…. now I have to compete with her too; what’s a girl got to do around here to keep a guy?” Faith said jokingly.

With a cocky grin in place, Lindsey retorted, “What can I say, just can’t keep the ladies off me.”

Buffy and Faith simultaneously let out a groan of disgust. Unable to hold in their laughter, they all broke out in fits of hysteria. Whipping the tears from their eyes; they fell into a slightly uncomfortable silence. Buffy feeling better about the whole situation decided to break the tension, “So… what’s for dinner?”



TBC



Thanks to BuffyandSpikeForever, jamesluvr, Aisling, stace, Sevvy_O, RavenXRobin, gypsy_jin, and last but not least Seraiza for the amazing reviews. As always; big thanks to my beta for making sence of my bad grammer! Kuddos!

Spike woke up feeling exhausted. He had spent the better part of the night tossing and turning in fitful sleep. His father had already retired to bed by the time he got home from Buffy’s, so their talk had to wait till morning. Looking over at the clock, he noticed he still had time to catch his dad before he left for work. Rolling out of bed, he yawned and rubbed his sleep-filled eyes. Throwing on a pair of basketball shorts he found laying in the corner; he made his way down stairs to the kitchen where he knew his father would be having his morning cuppa.

Giles looked up from his morning paper when he heard Spike shuffle into the kitchen. “Morning William.” Giles said hesitantly. Spike merely yawned in response and walked over to the refrigerator to pour himself a glass of juice.

Giles noticed his son’s exhausted state; he looked simply awful. Giles’ voice full of concern, he questioned, “Did you not sleep well? You look absolutely knackered.”

At his fathers questioning, he looked at him for the first time since coming into the kitchen. His face void of all emotion, he spoke in a hushed tone, “Why didn’t you tell me she was gone?”

Seeing the hurt on his sons face, he sighed heavily. “You never gave me the chance.” Giles stated simply.

Anger taking over he roared out, “Never gave you the chance? You could’ve bloody well told me yesterday before I had to go and find out from Joyce!”

Completely taken aback by his son’s response Giles just sat there, mouth agape.

Spike snorted sardonically, “That’s right. I went over there to see Buffy last night, only to find her gone.” His voice was full of anger, but then just as quickly turned to hurt. “How could you keep something like that from me?”

When his father said nothing, he stared him down with icy blue eyes. “I thought after all this shit you might actually be on my side, I see I was sorely mistaken,” he spit at him.

Giles gave his son a pointed look, “Listen William, in all fairness, you stormed out before I had the chance to fully explain the situation. You act as if I was trying to hide the truth from you.” Giles didn’t even try to hide the accusation in his tone

Spike sat in the chair across from his dad and hung his head shamefully. “I’m sorry, it’s just that… I went to see Buffy and when I climbed in her window…” he stopped mid sentence when he saw the shocked look on his fathers face. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked questioningly, irritation evident in his voice.

His voice raising several octaves in surprise, he leaned forward and blurted out, “Did you just say you climbed in her window?” Giles was absolutely flabbergasted.

“Well, yeah.” Was Spike’s reply, as if his father had just asked him the world’s most stupid question.

Sitting back in his chair, he looked over at his son, his face full of astonishment. “Dear Lord boy, your lucky Joyce didn’t call the police on you for breaking and entering”

“Didn’t break anythin’,” Spike replied sarcastically, a cocky grin plastered across his face.

With an exasperated sigh, Giles gave his son a stern look. “William I can’t believe you snuck in Buffy’s bedroom.” He had to fight the urge to not smack the cocky grin off his face. “What did you possibly think to accomplish? Really William, could you be more stupid?” Giles bit out. He was so irritated with his son he wanted to reach across the table and shake the stupid right out of him.

Spike rolled his eyes, “What the bloody hell did you expect me to do? It’s not like I could just walk up to the front door and say ‘evenin’ Joyce. Do you mind if I have a word with your daughter; the girl who just so happens to be havin’ my baby’,” his voice thick with sarcasm.

It was now Giles’ turn to roll his eyes, “No need for sarcasm; I get the point. That still doesn’t excuse the fact that you snuck in their home in the middle of the night.” Giles looked him in the eyes. “William you have to realize there is nothing you can do now; she’s gone.”

Spike looked at his father with mournful eyes, his voice full of desperation. “You don’t understand I NEED her. You have no idea what it’s like to finally realize for the first time you love someone so much it literally hurts to be away from them; then to only have them ripped away before ever knowing if they love you back.” He wiped the lone tear that slid down his cheek, “Dad, this isn’t just some girl. This is the mother of my child. I would go to the ends of the world and back just to see her one more time.”

Giles looked at his son sitting before him, no longer a boy, yet not quite a man. His heart bled at the anguish his son was enduring. No longer willing to see his son suffer, he looked Spike in the eye. “William it is fair to say that you have endured more heart ache than anyone should have to go through; that being said, I’m going to level with you man to man. If I go against Joyce and tell you where Buffy is, you have to promise me that you won’t bolt off to find her. Joyce sent her away for a reason. Though I don’t quite see eye to eye with all of them; some are quite justifiable.” Pausing, he made sure Spike saw the seriousness of the situation. When he saw that he had Spikes’ undivided attention, he continued, “Joyce wanted to give you and Buffy the opportunity at a real life; not one that was forced upon you. With Buffy not being a distraction; you can finish school and go off to university, just as planed.”

As his father explained Joyce’s motives as to why she sent Buffy away, he was unable to hold back any longer. “I’m not her bloody son! She has no right to have any say in MY life. She has taken away THE most important thing from me, and you expect me to sit and do nothing about it! If you think for one minute I’m gonna sit back and let Joyce Summers pull my strings like some puppet master, then you have another thing coming!” he roared out.

He pushed away from the table with such force it sent his chair clear across the room to collide with the kitchen island.

Jumping at his sons outburst, Giles stared wide eyed at his son. Seeing he was not in the state of mind to have a rational conversation; Giles rose from his seat at the table. “William it is quite clear from your display,” gesturing to the chair lying on the floor, “that you can’t see reason right now, so I’m afraid there is nothing I can do for you. Maybe after you have cooled down a bit and can act like a man, not a belligerent child, we can sit down and talk things out like adults.” His voice was edged with disappointment. Without another word, Giles turned from his enraged son and left for work.

Spike stood there, eyes glazed with furry as his father turned his back on him. His mind was so thick with rage he didn’t get a chance to get a word in before his father was out the door.

His adrenaline induced state dissipating; he slumped to the floor in a heap. He buried his face in his hands and began to sob uncontrollably. Every emotion he had felt for the past month came to the surface and melted into his tears. After what seemed like forever, Spike wiped at his eyes and gathered himself off the floor. With new determination, Spike said to himself, voice full of malice, ‘I will have what is mine; and Buffy Summers is MINE.”



TBC



Big thanks to stace, Sevvy_O, sarah g, blondiebear, BuffyandSpikeForever, gypsy_jin, and Seraiza for the lovely review. You guys are too sweet! Kuddos!

Buffy woke up to an empty house. As she crawled out of bed, a wave of nausea hit her hard. She scurried to the bathroom and threw herself over the toilet, empting the contents of her stomach. She felt like her body was going to turn inside out. She laid with her head resting on the toilet seat, tears running down her cheeks.

Once her stomach had quit churning, she heaved herself off the floor and went to the sink to brush her teeth. Looking at herself in the mirror, she cringed slightly at her appearance. Her once sun-kissed face was now a washed-out looking gray and her hair fell damp across her face from sweat. Leaning in for a closer inspection, she thought to herself ‘so this must be the dreaded morning sickness’. With a heavy sigh, she turned on the faucet and splashed her face with some cold water. When some of the color came back to her cheeks, she gave her appearance a final inspection and proceeded to brush her teeth.

She crawled back in bed to recuperate when an idea struck her. ‘No one’s home, I can call Spike.’ As if she had been surged with renewed energy, she went to run for the phone. But just as soon as the idea hit, it dissipated when she realized he was already at school. Flopping back in her bed, she cursed herself for not waking up sooner, but realized that Faith and Lindsey would have still been home and she wouldn’t have been able to call anyways.

Feeling the beginnings of hunger pains, she decided to go to the kitchen and try to find something that her stomach wouldn’t revolt against. She went to the fridge to get some juice when she noticed a note lying on the counter with a pack of saltine crackers. Seeing it was addressed to her, she picked it up and read it.

‘B,
I didn’t know if morning sickness had kicked in yet, so I took the liberty of leaving some “friendly” food out for you. Don’t worry it should pass soon. Here’s the number to my work if you need anything. Lindsey said he would stop by on his lunch hour to check and see how you were doing. I’ll be home around 3 pm. Stay out of trouble (you know exactly what I mean!).
Love, Faith

Buffy chuckled to herself. Her sister knew her all too well. She wondered if Faith would have left things alone if she were in her shoes. The answer was most likely not. Picking up the crackers, she popped one in her mouth. After about four or five of them, she noticed that she felt much better. Making a mental note to thank Faith when she got home, she went to the living room to watch a bit of TV.

She was sitting on the couch, still in her pajamas, ranting about how stupid the people on “Jerry Springer” were when Lindsey walked in the door. “Hey Buffy.” Noticing she was still in her PJ’s and it was nearly 11:30, he couldn’t help but tease, “I see someone is enjoying being home in the middle of the day.”

Buffy gave him a cheeky smile, “Jealous much?”

Lindsey came and plopped on the coach next to her “Very. I would kill to be able to sit and lounge all day,” he said as he snaked one of her saltine crackers.

Buffy punched him in the arm. “Hey! You don’t have morning sickness, so you don’t get any!” Seeing the uncomfortable ness on Lindsey’s face, she decided to change the subject. “So, how goes it with saving the world one case at a time?”

Lindsey visibly relaxed. “I’m not exactly Superman, but can’t complain. The pay really isn’t that great where I’m at right now, but one day I’ll have my own firm and get to roll with the big dawgs.”

Buffy raised a brow at him. “The big dawgs?”

Lindsey chuckled and nudged her with his shoulder. “Yeah you know all the big time lawyers in LA.”

Buffy laughed, “Now that’s a picture! You in your expensive Armani suits, schmoozing with high dollar lawyers, talking about the latest member of the country club.” She had to wipe the tears away from her incessant laughing.

“It could happen!” Lindsey looked at her with mock resentment, but couldn’t help but laugh right along with her.

Both sitting and sobering from their laughter, Lindsey looked over at Buffy. “Talk to your mom yet?”

That simple question caused Buffy to shut down completely. “I think I’m gonna go lay down for a while; kind of feeling wiped out from being sick and all,” her voice void of emotion.

As Buffy went to go to her room, Lindsey called out to her, “Buffy I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that I really think you need to talk to her, maybe work out some of the stuff you guys have said to each other.”

Buffy turned and leveled him with an icy glare. “How can you say that I should talk to her? Do you have any idea of what she said to me? How she made me feel?”

Lindsey knew she was angry, but he also knew she was feeling more hurt than anything else. Wanting to comfort her, he walked over to her. “Buffy I can only imagine some of the things you said to one another; you were both hurting.” He wrapped his arms around her. When she didn’t resist, he continued, “Whatever Joyce said I’m sure she didn’t mean it. You have to know your Mom loves you, because if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be doing everything possible to try and protect you. I know right now it may not seem like it, but she really does have your best interest at heart. It’s just gonna take some time to see that.” His words were so soft she found herself wanting to believe that they were true. Then she heard her mother’s voice in her head, ‘It doesn’t matter because by the time you come back William will have already left for college and forgotten about you!’ This thought caused her to come crashing back to reality.

She pulled away from Lindsey, eyes glassy with unshed tears. “I’m sorry I just can’t forgive her right now; the things she said just hurt way too much.” She sniffled slightly, “I appreciate the fact that you want to help, I really do, I just don’t think I’m ready to take that step.” Her voice was small, child like.

Lindsey felt his heart break beneath his chest at the sight of the broken girl in front of him.

Understanding that Joyce had said some pretty unforgivable things to her, he simply nodded his head in understanding and pulled her back into his arms. Giving her a reassuring squeeze, he whispered, “don’t worry darlin’. It will get better, you’ll see.”

Buffy buried her face on his shoulder and let out her tears. They stayed that way for a while before Buffy pulled away. “Sorry for crying all over your shirt; must be all the hormones because I normally don’t cry this much.” She said wiping at her nose with the sleeve of her pajama top.

Lindsey gave her a soft smile, “Don’t worry about it. You can cry on my shoulder any day.”

This caused Buffy to cry even harder. She threw her arms around his neck in a tight hug. “Oh Lindsey, you’re the best brother-n-law I could have ever hoped for.” Returning her hug, he joked lightly. “I know, but what can I say. When you’re good, you’re good.”

Buffy laughed through her tears and pulled back slightly to look into Lindsey’s eyes. “You were wrong in what you said earlier.” Lindsey looked at her quizzically.

Buffy just simply rested her head against his shoulder and murmured, “You are Superman.”






TBC



Thanks to BuffyandSpikeForever, Sevvy_O, nmb, blondiebear, jamesluvr, stace, Pam, Brittany, gypsy_jin, RavenXRobin, Aisling, and Seraiza for reviewing my fic. I am so blown away by y'alls interest. Thanks bunches! Kuddos








Ch. 19 Redemption

Giles sat at in his office going over his confrontation with William that morning, when he was interrupted by the bell on the door of his bookshop. When he went to tend to his customer, he was quite shocked to see who was standing at the counter.

“Joyce?”

“Hello Rupert. I know this is unexpected, but when you got off the phone so suddenly…” her voice trailed off.

Giles studied the woman standing before him. She had deep, dark circles under her eyes from what he assumed was from lack of good sleep and she seemed thinner than the last time he had seen her. She was still the very attractive woman she had always been, just a little more weathered. He was unable to not have sympathy for her; she looked as if she had been through hell and back. He looked up at her and gave her a weak smile.

“Yes, well unfortunately, William decided at the crucial moment of our discussion to come into the room.”

All color drained from Joyce’s face. In a hushed tone, she said, “So he knows.”

Giles’s expression went from sympathy to all out anger in the blink of an eye. “Yes he knows, and as he should. You have no right to keep something like this from him. You must remember, this is his baby as well. I told you before that I was going to tell him, he just happened to over hear our conversation before I had the chance.” His voice was full of contempt.

Joyce stood there for a moment simply letting his words sink in. Once her mind had the chance to catch up she said something that just about knocked Giles off his feet in shock. “You’re right.”

Giles stood there opening and closing his mouth trying to say something. Gaining control over his befuddlement, he let out a shocked, “What?”

Joyce’s face was the example of calm. She explained, “You’re right. I had no right to try and keep something like this from William. It has done nothing but cause hate and discontent for everyone, and for this, I am truly sorry. I know I was wrong for hurting our children the way I did, but if I give in now, all the pain they’ve gone through will have been in vain. I don’t want that. They are both so young, and I think that if we give them a little more time apart, then maybe we can salvage the situation.” She hoped that he would understand.

Giles thought about what she said. There was some truth to her words. She really did have their best interest at heart. The question was, how long would be too long? Giles removed his glasses and polished them with the hem of his vest. Replacing then on the bridge of his nose, he decided to level with her.

“How long?”

“At least till after they graduate. After that, I won’t interfere anymore.” She stated.

Giles gave a heavy sigh. “Seeing that William is unaware of where Buffy is, we don’t have to worry about him going to her just yet, but on the very day of graduation I want YOU to tell him. You must promise me this or other wise I will tell him myself now, and more than likely you will never see or hear from Buffy again and I know that’s not something you want.” His voice was full of finality.

Knowing that there was no room for argument, she agreed. “Fine, after graduation I will tell William where Buffy is and apologize to him for all I’ve put him through.”

Giles feeling quite satisfied with the outcome of their meeting took her in a warm embrace. Pulling away and feeling a bit awkward for letting his emotions get the better of him he expressed his gratitude. “Thank you Joyce for what you are doing. I know this is hard for you, but you really are dong the right thing.”

Joyce looked up at him with unshed tears in her eyes. “I hope so Rupert. I just want my baby to be happy. I know right now she probably hates me, but I hope someday she can forgive me. We both said some really hurtful things to one another.” Her voice tight with emotions as tears streaked down her cheeks.

Giles rubbed her arm in reassurance. “One day she might be able to understand all of this; it’ll just take time is all.” Trying to lighten the mood, he joked lightly, “You mustn’t forget, they’re going to be parents soon, and I can guaranty they have a LONG life of anguish ahead of them. They’ll be lucky if they survive to be twenty-five.”

Despite her tears, she couldn’t help but laugh. “You hit the nail on the head with that one. The question is; what could we have ever done to deserve such head-strong, stubborn children?”

Giles gave her a sly grin. “Well I don’t know about you Joyce, but I was something of a rebel back in my day. But I think that’s a story best left untold.”

Trying picture Rupert as the poster child for juvenile delinquency she couldn’t help but laugh. Giving him a mischievous grin, she said, “Well then I think that goes double for me.”





TBC


Thanks to jamesluvr, Anne, Hillary, Aisling, Seraiza, Brittany, and stace for the lovley reviews. I am really touched. Kuddos!

Joyce made sure she left the bookshop by 11 o’clock to give her plenty of time to get to LA. Getting in her car, she started her long drive to her eldest daughter’s home. She couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about her visit. She was afraid of how her youngest daughter was going to react. She had no delusions that this would be a pleasant visit, she just hoped that it wouldn’t put more of a strain on the already broken relationship she had with her youngest daughter. Seeing the exit signs for Los Angeles, Joyce began to prepare herself for the visit that would hopefully change things for the better.

Faith arrived home from work to the sound of laughter. Wondering if she had walked into the wrong house, she walked into the living room. There sprawled on the couch was Buffy and Lindsey watching some ridiculous talk show. With a questioning look on her face, she broke into their little couch party. “So is there a reason that a) Buffy is still in her pajamas at 2:30 in the afternoon and b) you’re home from work?”

Lindsey looked up from the TV and gave her a big smile. “Hey Sweetie! I decided to take the rest of the day off after I came home from lunch and Buffy’s still in her pajamas because she’s lazy.”

Buffy smacked him in the arm and let out an indignant, “Hey, sitting right here.”

Lindsey raised an eyebrow at her, “Well, how else would you explain it?”

Faith broke into their banter. “Okay. Do I need to separate you two? I swear it’s like I have three children not one,” Faith threw her hands in the air in annoyance, “and the worst part of it is that Sam acts more grown up than both of you.”

Lindsey and Buffy both broke out in laughter at how aggravated she was. Egging Faith on even more, they said in unison, “Yes Mom.”

Faith glared at them. “You two suck,” she grumbled as she made her way into the kitchen.

Lindsey looked at Buffy out of the corner of his eye. “I better go in there and do some damage control or other wise we might find ourselves sleeping on the porch.”

Buffy chuckled. “You are so whipped.”

Lindsey got up from the couch and gave her a smirk. ” Yes I am.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Joyce pulled in the drive way and shut off the car. She sat there unable to will herself to get out of the car. ‘Joyce, just get out of the car and go to the door. You’ll be fine. You can do this’ she thought to herself trying to build up her confidence. After repeating her mantra to herself several times, she worked up the courage to go to the door. Hesitating for a moment, she knocked on the door and waited for the inevitable fall out.

Just as Lindsey was out the living room, there was a knock at the door. Looking at his watch, he knew exactly who it was. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob and opened the door. “Hey Joyce, come on in.”

When Buffy heard her mother’s name, she froze. She remembered that Faith had mentioned their mother was going to come by with some papers, but she still wasn’t prepared for her to actually be there. Unable to move from her spot, she waited for her mother to walk in the room.

Joyce nodded her head in greeting and walked in the house. As if she could feel her youngest daughter’s presence, she went straight to the living room. Stopping just short of the entrance she looked at her daughter, frozen in shock on the couch. “Hello Buffy.”

The sound of her mother’s voice was all it took to break the spell she was under. All the anger and rage she had towards her came bubbling to the surface. With cold eyes, she glared at her. “I think I’m going to go lay down,” she bit out standing from her seat, never taking her eyes off her mother.

Joyce’s eyes welled with tears at the cold look her daughter held her with. She knew she deserved it, but it still hurt all the same. Seeing that Buffy was getting up to leave, she gave a desperate attempt to stop her. “Buffy please don’t go.”

Not even giving her mother’s plea a second thought, she stormed out of the room, went to her room and slammed the door.

Joyce flinched at the sound of the slamming door. She looked over to Lindsey and gave him a weak smile. “So I guess that didn’t go well.”


Faith stood in the kitchen avoiding the situation in the living room. She told herself she wasn’t going to get in the middle of the feud between her Mom and little sister. She was truly torn between them. She wanted to stand up for her sister because it hadn’t been too long since she was in the same boat as her. Faith knew what it was like to love someone so much you would do any thing to be with them. That’s exactly what she had done with Lindsey. Yeah, she and Lindsey made it work, but Faith knew it didn’t always work out that way. As much as she hated to admit it, she could see where her mother was coming from too. Her mom just wanted what every good parent wants for their child, a future with no regret.

Faith knew first hand how hard it was to be so young and have a baby. When she and Lindsey first got out on their own, they had to struggle just to keep food in the house and that was even with Lindsey having most of his college done and a decent job. She couldn’t imagine what Buffy and William would have to go through with just high school diplomas.

At the sound of Buffy’s bedroom door slamming, she knew that it didn’t go well. It was time to go and face her mother. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to the living room.

Faith walked into the living room to see her mom and Lindsey sitting on the couch attempting to have light conversation. When neither of them looked up at her entrance, she spoke up.

“Hey Mom,” Faith said awkwardly.

Joyce gave her eldest daughter a genuine smile. “Faith, it’s so good to see you.”

Faith gave her a sheepish smile. “So… I take it B didn’t take too kindly to you showing up?”

“Well, that’s one way to put it.” Joyce said with a heavy sigh. “I really appreciate you letting Buffy stay with you; I brought you a check to help out with the extra expenses and I plan on sending one once a month for as long as she stays here.” Joyce said gratefully. She didn’t want Faith to think she was just dumping Buffy on her.

Lindsey patted Joyce on the hand. “You don’t have to that Joyce. Honest we don’t mind having her. But if it will make you feel better, it will be much appreciated,” he said with a smile.

Faith looked at her mom. “Listen I have to pick up Sam from preschool, so if you want to ride with me, we can talk more in the car on the way.”

Joyce gave her daughter an appreciative smile. “That would be nice. I’ll have to leave as soon as we get back though so I can get back to Sunnydale before it gets too late.”

“That’s fine. It won’t take that long.” Faith reassured her mother.

Joyce stood up and looked down at Lindsey. “It was good seeing you Lindsey, maybe one of these days it will be under better circumstances.” Her voice was edged in sadness.

Lindsey stood up and gave Joyce a reassuring hug. “Don’t worry, she’ll eventually come around. It’s just gonna take some time.”

Joyce pulled away, gave him a knowing nod of her head. Just as she was fixing to walk out the door, she looked back at Lindsey, “Make sure you tell her I’m sorry.” And then she followed Faith out the door to go and pick up her granddaughter.

When Buffy heard the front door shut, she wandered into the living room.

Lindsey plopped on the couch and let out a sigh. He looked up when he heard Buffy walk in the room. Her eyes were all puffy from where she had been crying. Lindsey gave her a concerned look. “You alright?”

Buffy shook her head ‘no’ and sat next to him on the couch. Buffy looked over at him with tear-filled eyes and muttered, “Is she gone?”

Lindsey gave her a weary look and replied, “Yeah, she’s gone.”


TBC


Thanks to Seraiza, Aisling, Sevvy_O, jamesluvr, Becky, Amanda, rockerbaby, and blondiebear for the review. You guys rock! Kuddos!

Joyce and Faith rode in uncomfortable silence for some time till Joyce decided to speak up. “Faith, am I a bad mother?” her voice almost a whisper.

Faith snapped her head in her mother’s direction. “What?”

Joyce repeated her question. “Am I a bad mother?” only this time with more shame.

Faith looked at her with soft eyes and reassured her. “No Mom, you’re not a bad mother. You always made sure me and B had everything growing up. If you were a bad parent, then you wouldn’t have cared what we did. Instead, you always went well above and beyond to protect us. Maybe just a little too much is all.”

Joyce let the tears flow freely down her cheeks and gave her a watery smile. “Thanks Faithy.”

Faith reached over and squeezed her hand. “You don’t have to thank me, it’s the truth.”

Joyce returned the squeeze and wiped at her tears. “I’m so sorry for the way things were between us. You were always my independent one; had to do everything your way. I understand why you left, but I never once stopped loving you for one second. It just took me some time to realize how wrong I was.”

Faith looked at her mother and replied, “I know Mom, just make sure this time you don’t let it take as long.”

Faith pulled in the parking lot of Sam’s preschool and shut the car off. Turning so she was facing her mother she questioned, “When are you gonna lift the whole William embargo? Cause I got to tell you, so not helping your case as far as B forgiving you.”

Joyce shook her head knowingly, “I know.” Taking a deep breath, she decided to tell Faith her plan. “I talked to Rupert today and I asked him if he would give me a little more time; just till the kids where done with high school, then I would give them my blessing.”

Faith looked at her skeptically. “How do you plan on doing that? You do realize that they will try to get a hold of one another before then.”

“Well, William doesn’t know where Buffy is staying yet, so he won’t be able to get a hold of her.” Giving her daughter a pleading look she continued, “I just need you to talk to Buffy and try and get her to agree to wait till graduation.”

Faith shook her head, “Oh no, I am NOT getting in the middle of this. I didn’t sign up to play referee between you two. If you want her to chill until after graduation, then YOU’RE gonna have to talk to her. No way am I gonna go in the lions den at dinner time.” She wasn’t stupid.

Joyce let out a frustrated sigh. “Faith how can I do that? She won’t even be in the same room as me, let alone talk with me.” Joyce could see her daughter was skeptical so she tried, “You don’t even have to tell her I asked you to do this. Faith please, you’re all I’ve got,” she said pleading with her eyes.

Faith eyed her mother skeptically. “I don’t know.” She shook here head doubtfully. “The girl is hell bent on getting to her man. How am I supposed to get her to wait?”

Joyce looked at her daughter hopefully. “Just explain to her how important it is to have school done before taking on the responsibility of a new baby. You know first hand how hard it is so she’ll listen to you, I know she will.”

Faith hesitated for a moment but finally she unwillingly agreed. “Fine, I’ll talk to her.” She eyed her mother and pointed a finger at her. “I’m not making any promises. You know as well as I do B can be down right stubborn, so I can’t guarantee anything.”

Joyce grabbed her daughter into a big hug. “Thank you so much.”

Faith reluctantly returned the hug and mumbled dryly, “Yeah, well don’t thank me just yet.”

Joyce pulled back with a huge smile on her face; feeling as if some of the tremendous weight had been lifted. Smiling brightly; Joyce chirped, “Well then, let’s go get my beautiful granddaughter.”

Faith gave her mother a weak smile. “Yeah, let’s go do that.” Thinking to her self ‘what in the hell have I gotten myself into’.


Buffy was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels when she heard a car pull in the driveway. She turned around in her seat to look out the window; pulling back the curtain she watched as Faith and Sam waved goodbye to her mom as she pulled out of the drive way and left. Breathing a sigh of relief at the fact she wouldn’t have to face her mother again, she went back to her task at flipping through the channels.

Faith came in the house with Sam trailing behind her. Knowing she needed to have a serious sit down with her sister, she hurried Sam off to kitchen with Lindsey and went straight in for the kill. “Hey B, can we talk?”

Buffy eyed her sister distrustfully. “Sure.”

Faith shifted in her seat and took a deep breath. “I was talking with mom and….”

Buffy cut her off. “Stop right there. I don’t want to hear what SHE had to say. There isn’t anything she could have said that will change the fact that she acted like a mega bitch and dumped me on you. So just save it for someone who gives a shit.”

Faith glared at her sister. “You listen here, I’m just trying to help so don’t shoot the messenger alright!”

Buffy glared back at her sister, “I can’t believe you’re taking her side! After all she did to you and Lindsey I would have thought YOU of all people would understand that she’s being a bitch about this.”

Faith sighed heavily. “I’m not taking her side Buffy. I just can see where she’s coming from.” Shifting in her seat she continued. “Back when I got pregnant with Sam, I was just a kid. All I cared about was what I wanted. Never once did I think about what it was doing to Mom. But now that I’ve grown up, I see that I was being selfish and immature. Maybe if I had let things cool down a bit, instead of running off, Mom would have let up a little bit.” Faith studied her sister for a moment before she added, “All I’m trying to say is, that if you chill out a little, Mom will eventually let you see William without going mental on you. You just have to give it time; things will work out.”

Buffy stared at her sister. Her words had been so sincere. She wanted so bad to believe that they were true. Feeling her resolve crumble slightly, Buffy hung her head and whispered, “I just don’t know if I can wait.”

Faith grabbed her and pulled her into her arms. “Don’t worry B, it’ll all work out. You just got to have a little faith.” Once the words left her mouth, she couldn’t help but cringe a little at her own pun.

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh through her tears at her sisters words. “Faith that was horrible.”

Faith let her go and laughed. “Yeah that was pretty bad.”

They sat together, both enjoying their sisterly bond, when Buffy let out a cleansing breath and asked skeptically, “So, do you really think Mom will lose the whole ‘psycho bitch from hell’ act and let me see Spike again?”

Faith chuckled at the name she used for their mother. Looking over at her sister, she replied with confidence, “B, I can almost guarantee it.”

Buffy was finding she was a bit more confident of the situation. She knew if she ever wanted things to get easier then she would have to sacrifice some. With that in mind, Buffy looked at her sister wearily. “I can’t promise how long I can hold off, but I‘ll give it a try.”

Faith smiled. “That’s my girl.” Giving her a sneaky smile, she added, “If you can at least hold out till school’s finished, you won’t be disappointed.”

Buffy studied her sister with a quizzical stare. “What are you talking about?”

Faith simply gave her sister an innocent look and shrugged her shoulders.

Buffy knowing her sister was up to something called her on it. “Faith you are so up to something.”

Faith kept up her innocent facade. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Knowing she had her sister hook line and sinker. Faith made her way to the kitchen to start dinner, thinking to herself ‘Damn I’m good!’


TBC


Thanks to BuffyandSpikeForever, Aisling, gypsy_jin, blondiebear, jamesluvr, Sevvy_O, stace, Becky, and spikes_niblet for the reviews. Kuddos!

Giles came home from work to the sound of angry punk music blaring from his son’s bedroom. Shaking his head wearily, he decided it best to just let his son sit and sulk for a while before he would go over with him his meeting with Joyce. Going to the kitchen, he made way with starting dinner.

Spike heard his father pull in the driveway and turned up the music even louder. He was not in the mood to speak to his dear ol’ dad. After the blow out from that morning he could have cared less if he ever spoke to his dad again. He couldn’t wait till he graduated and he could just get the fuck out and lead his own life. He was so sick and tired of everyone telling him what he should do, so while sitting in his room for the better part of the day, he decided he was going to finish school and then go find Buffy.

He wanted nothing more than to pack up and leave right then and there, but he knew he couldn’t support Buffy without at least a high school education. So as soon as he graduated, he was gone and he would never look back. Spike was thinking over his plans when he heard a knock at his door.

After Giles got dinner underway, he decided to go check on his son. Standing outside his door, he took in a shaky breath and knocked on the door. When it was apparent William was not going to answer, he walked in.

Spike looked over and glared at his father. “I bloody well never invited you in, so get out,” he snarled at him.

Giles studied him for a moment. “William please, if you’ll just listen to me I can…” but he was cut off.

“No. I’m done listening, so just save it. I could give two shits as to what you have to say.” He bit out as he got off the bed. He was through being treated as if he couldn’t think fore himself.

Giles let his temper get the better of him. Instead of sharing with his son that Joyce had consented to let him see Buffy as soon as graduation was over, he opted to lower himself to his son’s level and be just as stubborn and not say a word. Looking at his son with cold eyes, he spit out at him in a menacing tone, “Bloody fine then, don’t listen, but mark my words, one day you’re going to look back and regret this.”

Spike scoffed at him. “Not bloody likely.”

Giles let out a sardonic laugh. “Oh William my boy, you have no idea.” His voice held almost an eerie edge to it.

Spike walked to his father and stopped mere inches away from his face glowering at him. “We’re through. As soon as I’m done with school, I’m gone. I’m done letting you and Joyce hold Buffy over my head like a scrap of meat to a hungry dog,” he said with finality.

Giles stayed where he was standing, never backing away. “Listen here boy. Don’t threaten me,” he told him snidely.

Spike let a smirk play over his lips and chuckled. “Make no mistake. This is no threat. I fully intend on getting the fuck out of here as soon as possible.” His tone was full of malice.

Both men stood there expressing their contempt for one another in their heated glares, neither one willing to back down. It wasn’t until the phone rang that Giles backed away slightly and ground out through clinched teeth, “We aren’t through here.”

Spike stood there, smirk firmly planted on his face, and told him, “Oh but Father we are.”

Giles gave him one last glare and walked out of the room. Still seething, he picked up the phone and bit out a very callous “What?”

Joyce sat on the other line taken aback at the greeting she received on the other end. Truly concerned, she inquired, “Rupert is everything alright?”

Letting his anger subside slightly at the sound of her concerned voice, he apologized. “Joyce I’m sorry, that was quite rude of me to bark at you that way; it’s just I had another ‘disagreement’, for better chose of words, with William. It seems that he has decided he is through hearing what I have to say.” He let out a heavy sigh.

Knowing exactly how Rupert felt, she sympathized. “Oh Rupert I’m so sorry. Give it some time. I’m sure he’ll cool down in a few days and he’ll apologize.”

Giles laughed cynically. “Oh Joyce, you can be so naïve at times. You have known my son for quite some time; I would think you would know better than that by now.”

Joyce sighed heavily, “Well I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not exactly fit to be giving out good parenting advice. I can’t even keep mine at my house. They all run away the first chance they get.” Her tone was playful, yet she couldn’t help but sound slightly bitter.

Giles sighed. “We’re quite the pair, you and I.”

Joyce chuckled softly. “That we are. I think if we can hang in there these next few months then we should come out of this somewhat in one piece.”

“If you say so,” Giles replied doubtfully.

They sat in silence for a moment when Joyce spoke up, “Did you mention to William about what we talked about earlier?”

“I was about to when we got into our little tiff, so I never told him.” His voice carried a sad tone.

“Well then you can go in there now and tell him. He’ll be so excited he’ll forget all about being upset with you.” She told him hopefully.

“I don’t think that would be such a good idea,” he said gravely.

Joyce was clearly confused. “Why not Rupert, it’s perfect.”

Giles took a deep breath and explained. “Because if I tell William that he has to wait and see her, instead of him doing things on his own terms, it will only make things worse. William is a stubborn boy; he has to do things his way, so I believe if we wait to tell him the night of his commencement, then maybe things will go smoother, because he can just go to Buffy. No questions asked.”

“You’re probably right. I planned on going to the ceremony to see William graduate anyways so I will tell him then.” Joyce told him reassuringly.

“I’m glad you called Joyce, it’s nice to have someone that understands what I’m going through. I know we got off on the wrong foot when this all started, but I think we have both come a long way as far as I’m concerned,” he told her endearingly.

Joyce smiled to herself. “I’m glad that I can help. Promise you won’t hesitate to call or stop by to see me sometime. After all are children are making us grandparents,” she told him light heartedly.

Giles couldn’t help but grin at the idea of becoming a grandfather. “I‘ll be sure to come by and see you sometime, we can have tea or something.” Giles told her thankfully.

“That sounds wonderful, just call and let me know when. I am so glad we got a chance to talk things over Rupert; I really am.”

“So am I,” he agreed.

“Well I need to let you go. I have an early day at the gallery tomorrow and I have a feeling a late night as well.” Joyce told him regretfully.

“Quite alright, I talk with you soon then. Good night.”

“Good night Rupert.”

Once Giles got off the phone, he sighed heavily. He walked to his son’s door and stood there thinking ‘alright old chap, time to be the bigger man and try to patch things up proper.’



TBC



Thanks to sharon, gypsy_jin, blondiebear, BuffyandSpikeForever, nmb, stace, Becky, jamesluvr, Sevvy_O, and seraiza for the reviews. Kuddos!

Giles stood outside his son’s door contemplating on how to make amends without divulging Buffy’s whereabouts. Just as he was fixing to knock, the door opened.

“William, I was just coming to talk to you,” he said slightly startled.

Spike stood in the doorway staring at his father. He had calmed down slightly, but was still quite angry with his father. Deciding that his father wasn’t going to let it go, he conceded. “Fine. What is it you want to say,” he said defensively.

Giles let out a sigh of relief that his son was going to give him a chance to reconcile. Giving him a soft smile, he began to apologize. “I want to begin by saying I’m sorry. I never intended on things escalating to this. I hate the fact that we can’t even be in the same room with one another without it turning into a shouting match.”

Spike felt his anger for his father begin to dissolve. He too felt horrible about the way things had been between him and his father. They had always been fairly close in the past, so to be constantly at each other’s throats was hard on him. He was still not quite ready to forgive his father completely.

Letting his shoulders drop he looked his father in the eyes. “Listen Dad, I know you never wanted any of this, I understand that. Up until now, we’ve been pretty close, but now I’m not so sure,” his voice was tight with emotion.

Giles gazed at his son with tear-filled eyes as he reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. “I know it might take some time, but I hope that one day soon you might feel differently. I love you William, more than you’ll ever know. You’re my son, so no matter what; that will never change.”

Spike had to fight the tears that were stinging the backs of his eyes from his father’s loving words. Taking a ragged breath, he let his father know how he felt. “I know Dad, but I think you’re right. It is gonna take some time for us to get back to the way things used to be. I’m not quiet ready to let things be okay between us, so for now I think it might be best to give each other some space.”

Giles was hurt by his son’s feelings, but they were justifiable. Nodding his head, he reluctantly agreed. “If that’s the way you want things for now, then I will respect your wishes. Just understand that if you ever need someone to confide in I’m still here for you.”

Even though he was upset with his father, he felt as if they had come to a truce of sorts. Giving him a solemn look, he replied, “I know.”

Thinking to himself that this was at least a start to moving in the right direction, he gave his son one last sad smile before the door was closed before him.

Buffy lay in her bed unable to fall asleep as her mind tried to sift through all her conflicting emotions. She was totally confused as to what to do about Spike. Her heart was telling her to run and call him, but the logical part of her was telling her to listen to her sister and give it time. She knew if she listened to her heart, that it would only make things worse between her and her mother. Yeah she was rightfully pissed at her right now, but as much as she hated to admit it, she still missed her terribly. If she listened to her logical side, she was afraid Spike really would go off to college and forget all about her and she just couldn’t live with the thought of that.

Becoming irritated with herself, she crawled out of bed and made her way to the kitchen to get some ice cream.

Tiptoeing into the kitchen as to not wake anyone, she opened the freezer and pulled out a pint of mint chocolate chip. As she was plundering through the draw to find the ice cream scoop, she heard someone come in the kitchen.

“Hey kiddo, up for a midnight snack?” Lindsey asked his voice thick with sleep.

Buffy turned and gave him a sheepish smile. “You caught me red handed. Want some?”

Lindsey sat down on one of the stools and nodded. “When Faith was pregnant with Sam, she used to do this same thing. I would catch her at like three in the morning with a huge bowl of ice cream in front of her.” He chuckled at the memory.

Buffy pulled out some bowls and spoons and began to scoop their ice cream. “No, this isn’t a pregnant thing; it’s a Summers’ thing. When we were little our mom…” her voice trailed off as she got a sad look in her eyes.

Lindsey felt his heart break at the sad look on her face at the mention of her mom. He could tell that she really did miss her. He gave her a sympathetic look. “Buffy it’s gonna be okay, you’ll see.”

She looked at him and gave him a weary smile. “I know. It’s just that it still hurts.” Sighing heavily she continued, “I talked to Faith today and she seems to think that if I give it time, my Mom will some how come around to the idea that me being with Spike won’t be the end of the world.”

Lindsey looked at her with a confused expression on his face. “Who’s Spike? I thought this kid’s name was William.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Spike’s his nickname.”

Lindsey couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. “You were with a guy that calls himself Spike? No wonder Joyce flipped her lid.”

Buffy threw a glare in his direction. “Shut up.” Giving him a cynical look, she added, “Like Lindsey’s such a perfect name. If you ask me, it’s kinda wimpy,” she said indignantly.

“Well at least it doesn’t scream Mohawks and dog collars.” He replied matter of factly, and then added, “And Lindsey is not wimpy, it’s sexy.”

Buffy let out a laugh. “Oh please! It’s a girl’s name for God sakes.”

Just as Lindsey was fixing to hit her with a come back, Faith walked into the kitchen looking none too happy. Hands firmly on her hips she bit out at them, “Do you two think you can shut the hell up? Some people in this house are trying to sleep. I swear you two act like you’re fuckin’ five years old with all that damn bickering back and forth.”

Buffy and Lindsey exchanged a look of amusement. They both turned to Faith and said in unison, “Sorry Faith.”

Faith glared at them and let out an aggravated growl. Figuring since she was up anyways, she would join their little ice cream party. Pulling up a stool next to Lindsey, she asked, “So B, what has you up in the middle of the night with the late night munchies?”

Buffy shoved a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth and replied, “Couldn’t sleep, so I figured a big bowl of mint chocolate chip might help.”

Faith stole the spoon out of Lindsey’s hand and took a bite. “Well I’m sure this is just the beginning of your late night binges. Just make sure you don’t wake up Sam. All I need is for her to get started with the late night ice cream munchies.

Buffy smiled at her sister. “What can I say; it’s a Summers’ tradition.”



TBC


Thanks to shelly, Seraiza, Pam, carri, and stace for the reviews. Kuddos guys!

It had been almost a month since Buffy had moved to LA and for the most part things were going pretty good. Buffy had started school at Hemmery High and had even made a few friends. She was surprised how no one seemed to judge her here about being a teenage mother; hell they even had a class just for that sort of thing.

Walking to her ‘Mommy to be’ class, or MTB as they referred to it, she ran into one of her new friends Connor.

Connor was a senior at Hemmery and was on every sports team known to man. Almost ever girl at Hemmery was head over heels for him. He wasn’t your typical jock. He was sweet and would go out of his way to be nice to everyone. He was a nice looking guy. He had shaggy brown hair that he constantly had to brush away from his big, chocolate brown eyes and a soft, innocent face. He was tall and his frame was small considering he played so many sports, but you could tell it was well toned. To sum it up, he was hot, but nonetheless, her heart belonged to Spike.

Buffy first met Connor at her sister’s house. He was the brother of Lindsey’s best friend Angel. When he came over one afternoon with Angel, Buffy automatically thought it was a set up to try to get her over Spike, so she immediately went into defense mode. But once Connor had assured her he had a girlfriend who was a freshman at UCLA they clicked almost instantly. He was easy to talk to and never once judged her. He would call her out of the blue just to see how she was doing or just to let her talk about Spike. At first, she felt weird talking about Spike with Connor, but after awhile it felt nice to have someone to confide in besides Lindsey and Faith. It was safe to say, Connor O’Shea was now a true friend.

Connor walked up to Buffy with a smile from ear to ear. He sidled up next to her and threw an arm over her shoulder. “So Buffy, where you headed to?”

Buffy returned his smile and chirped out, “MTB, you?”

He removed his arm from her shoulder and started walking in the direction of her class. “Gym class.” Waiting a beat, he added, “Hey, this evening a bunch of us are gonna grab some pizza and head to a movie, want to go?”

Buffy gave him an unsure look. “I don’t think I should; besides I have tons of homework already and the day isn’t even over yet.”

Connor and Buffy stopped outside of her classroom door. Connor jutted his lip out in a pout. “Come on Buffy. You always make an excuse not to go. It’ll do you some good to get out for awhile. All that moping around Faith’s can’t be good for the baby, so what do you say, come out with us tonight.” He looked at her with his famous puppy dog eyes that he knew she was a sucker for.

Buffy gave him a pointed glare. “Connor O’Shea don’t you dare give me that look. You know I can’t say no when you do that.”

He grinned mischievously at her. “I know that’s the whole point.”

Buffy let out a huff of exasperation. “Fine, I’ll go, but don’t think that every time you give me those damn puppy eyes I’ll cave. Got it,” she said sternly.

Connor gave her a look of mock admonishment, “Yes ma’am.”

She punched his arm playfully. “I better get into class before the bell rings. Call me with the details when you get home.”

“Will do Prego.” He laughed at the scowl on her face that he knew from the use of his new nickname for her and tweaked the end of her nose.

“You know I hate when you call me that.” She told him with her hands firmly planted on her hips.

“No one even knows what it means,” he replied.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Yeah right, everyone knows Prego means pregnant.”

Connor gave her a cheeky grin. “Well that may be true.”

Buffy swatted at him, but he jumped out of her reach and started for the gym. Calling over his shoulder just before he rounded the corner, he yelled “See ya tonight… Prego.” Buffy simply chuckled to herself and went in the door to find her seat.



Buffy got home from school and went straight for the kitchen. Since she couldn’t hold anything down in the morning, she was starved by the afternoon. Entering the kitchen, she saw Faith sitting at the kitchen table sorting through the mail. As she walked over to the fridge, she chirped out, “Hey Faithy.”

Faith looked up from the bills and smiled at her baby sister. “Hey B, how was school?”

Buffy simply shrugged her shoulders. “Same old crap just a different day.”

Faith chuckled. “I know the feeling.” Shuffling the papers in front of her, she added, “So what would you like for dinner? Lindsey went to meet some colleagues for drinks so he won’t be home till late, so it’ll just be us girls tonight.”

Buffy put down the yogurt she was eating and looked at her sister. “Well Connor asked me to go out for pizza and a movie tonight, so if it’s alright with you…..”

Faith looked at her with a raised brow. “Is this like a date?”

Buffy’s eyes bugged out of her head. “A world of NO!” How could her sister even ask something like that.

Putting her hands up in surrender, she replied “Hey, just ask’n, don’t bite my head off.”

Buffy huffed and threw her yogurt in the garbage. “Well it was a stupid question. You KNOW Connor and I are just friends, and duh, he has a girlfriend and I have Spike.”

Faith gave her a mischievous grin. “Just check’n B”

Rolling her eyes, Buffy started for her room calling back to Faith, “Still a stupid question.”



Buffy got ready to go out with Connor and their friends. He called and said he would pick her up at six and they would meet everyone at the promenade for pizza. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for going out tonight. Even though this was so not a date, she was still going to the movies with Connor. Yeah, there would be six other people going, but it still felt wrong. How would she feel if it where Spike going out and having a good time without her? She knew exactly how she would feel, hurt.

Just as she was fixing to pick up the phone to call and cancel her plans, the doorbell rang. She silently cursed Connor for being early and went to answer the door.

Opening the door, she was greeting by a goofy grinning Connor. Stepping aside so he could come in, she tried to think of an excuse not to go. “Connor I really appreciate you asking me…” she was cut off.

“Oh no you don’t. You’re not getting out of this that easy. I already told everyone you where coming and you aren’t gonna make me a liar,” he said as he was pulling her arm out the door.

Buffy tried wiggling her arm out of his grip. “Connor wait.” When he stopped pulling on her arm, she continued, “It’s not that I don’t want to hang out with you, I just feel guilty is all.”

Connor looked at her as if she had grown a third eyeball. “Why do you feel guilty Buffy?” Then he looked panicked, “You don’t think this is a date do you?”

Buffy laughed and let out an un-lady like snort, then clasped her hand over her mouth. Connor couldn’t help but laugh as well; the idea of this being a date was just too comical.

Buffy wiped the tears from her eyes and sighed. “Oh Connor, you should have seen the look on your face when you asked if I thought this was a date. That was the true definition of a Kodak moment.”

Connor shook his head and replied, “Well now that we have established there isn’t a snowballs chance in hell this is a date, can we just go and have a good time.”

Buffy contemplated his request for a moment. This would be no different than Spike hanging out with Willow and Xander. She knew she was being silly about the whole thing, but she just missed Spike so much. Nothing against Conner, but she wished it were Spike she was going out with instead. Knowing that wouldn’t happen anytime soon, she decide to pretend for one night that things weren’t so messed up and try to go out and have a good time.

Giving Connor a hesitant look, she shook her head in agreement. “Well I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go out for a little while.”

Flashing her a bright smile, he replied, “Atta girl.” Then he mentioned, “I didn’t even have to resort to the puppy eyes.”

Buffy just rolled her eyes at him and grabbed her sweater off the chair. Calling into the kitchen, she let Faith know she was leaving and she wouldn’t be out too late. Not waiting for a response, she made her way down the walk and got in his car.

Connor slid in the driver’s side and looked over at her. “We’re gonna have a good time tonight, I promise.”

Buffy looked back at Connor and replied skeptically, “Yeah, we’ll see.”


TBC


Thanks to baby spikes, Kimber, Becky, BuffyandSpikeForever, stace, Terry, and Sevvy_O for the awsome reviews. I so appreciate them. Kuddos!

Just to let everyone know, Graduation is in the next chapter. I'll post it as soon as my beta gets it back to me! Kuddos!

The days had melted into one another and now graduation was here for Spike. He stood in front of the mirror in his black dress pants, maroon shirt and black silk tie. Satisfied with his appearance, he walked over to his closet to pull out his cap and gown. He had decided tonight was the night he was going to find Buffy. He and Willow had come up with a few ideas as to where she could be, so he was going to go and look till he found her. He was so caught up in his thoughts; he never heard his father come in the room.

Giles stood outside his son’s doorway just staring at his son. He had really turned out to be quite a handsome young man. The resemblance he had to his mother was uncanny. His son had the same piercing blue eyes and pouty mouth that he himself had fallen in love with. The fact that Lily wasn’t here to see her only son take one of the many important milestones in his life caused his heart to ache. With unshed tears, he held an envelope for his son, from his mother, firmly in his hand as he entered William’s room.

Spike felt someone watching him and turned around. His father stood there with tears in eyes and a proud smile on his face. The site almost brought him to tears. Taking a cleansing breath, he acknowledged his father. “Hey Da’.”

Giles closed the distance between them and reached out to adjust his son’s tie. “I can’t believe how grown up you look. It seems like just yesterday I was changing your nappies,” his voice was thick with emotion.

Spike looked away awkwardly at his father’s admission. “Well I couldn’t stay a little boy forever.”

Giles backed away slightly and replied, “Quite right you are,” he said solemnly.

Spike looked his father in the eyes. “I wish Mum were here. She always did love to see me all decked out in my Sunday best.”

Giles smiled tearfully at the memory. Lily had always made such a fuss over their son when he would get dressed up for special occasions and holidays. Clearing his tear-tight throat, he handed Spike the envelope.

Spike looked at him questioningly, “What is this?”

“It’s from your mother. Before she passed she asked me to give this to you when you graduated.”

Spike looked at the envelope in his hands in awe. Careful not to rip the precious paper that was once in his mother’s frail hands; he opened it and pulled out the document. Scanning over it his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. His mother had left him half a million dollars. Wide-eyed, he looked back up at his father.

Giles smiled warmly at his son. “It’s a trust fund solely in your name. She wanted to make sure you were able to go to any university you wanted.”

Spike, still in awe, sputtered out, “But I –I got a-a- scholarship.”

“Well then I suppose you have a hefty savings to plan YOUR future with.” Giles said hoping his son would get what he was trying to say.

Spike not missing a beat smiled. “I guess I do.”

Unable to resist his urges, Giles wrapped his son in an affectionate hug. To his great surprise, his son returned the hug with equal fervor. When both men began to feel slightly awkward by their blatant display of affection towards one another, they pulled back and looked around the room absently.

Giles removed his glasses and polished them as he spoke. “Well then, you better get going, don’t want to be late for final practice.”

Spike looked at his father awkwardly. “Right, so….I guess I’ll see you at the ceremony.” Giles cleared his throat and replied, “Yes, at the ceremony then.”

Not knowing what else he should do, Spike simply nodded his head and left for graduation practice.


Giles sat with Joyce as he watched his son walk cross the stage to collect his diploma. This had to be one of the proudest moments of his life. There were no words to describe all the emotions running through him at that moment. Unable to withhold any longer, he let a tear fall from his eyes. Turning to Joyce, he noticed she too was letting her emotions get the better of her as well.

As soon as the last name was called, the senior class of Sunnydale high threw their caps in the air and the audience stood in ovation. It was a proud day for all in attendance.


Giles made his way through the crowds of people trying to find his son. He spotted him conversing with his good friends, Willow and Xander. He approached them and nodded in greeting.

Spike looked away from Willow and Xander to see his father with a proud look on his face. Excusing himself from his friends, he pulled his dad to the side and studied him for a moment. Letting his emotions get the better of him, he leaned in and hugged his father firmly. Just when he was fixing to pull away, he saw Joyce standing a short distance away looking at him expectantly.

Spike pulled away from his father and walked over to Joyce. Trying to keep his temper in check, he nodded curtly in greeting.

Joyce had no illusions that he would greet her warmly. Hoping for the best, she removed an envelope from her bag and handed it to him.

Spike took the envelope from her and gave her a confused look. When Joyce said nothing he ripped it open and pulled out the folded piece of paper and read it. For the second time that evening his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. There on the note was the address and telephone number of where Buffy was staying. He looked up to Joyce with awestruck eyes and managed to rasp out, “Is this what I think it is?”

“It’s the address and number to Faith’s. I thought maybe you could stop by and see her some time; I know she would love that.” Joyce’s voice was full of emotion.

Spike was at a complete loss. Here in his hand he held the answer he had been hoping for. He wanted to yell from the rooftops that he was finally gonna see his girl. He was so overwhelmed with joy he scooped Joyce in his arms and hugged her fiercely.

Joyce was stunned by his sudden display of affection. When she started to feel light headed from his tight embrace she gasped out, “William if you don’t let go soon, I think I might pass out from lack of oxygen.”

Realizing she needed air, he pulled back and looked at her with tear-filled eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Well you could start be saying thank you,” she told him playfully

“I don’t think a simple thank you would be enough to express what I feel right now.”

Joyce felt tears run down her cheeks. “Oh William, I am so sorry for everything. I was just so scared for you both that I panicked. I thought I was doing the right thing, but all I did was mess things up. Not just for me and Buffy, but for you and I as well. I always thought of you as the son I never had, so when all this happened I was afraid for you. I love you William so much; I never meant to hurt you.” All the emotion she felt for the young man in front of her flowed through her words.

Spike was in awe from her words. All the anger he had felt towards her was gone and was replaced with true adoration. Wanting to show her he had forgiven her, he pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed her cheek. He whispered in her ear, “I know Joyce and I love you too.”

After relishing in the moment of their mutual forgiveness, they pulled way and wiped at their tears. Joyce was the first to speak, “Well now that that’s out of the way, you better get going.”

Spike looked at her confused.

Joyce simply smiled. “It’s a long drive to LA and if you if you leave now, you might still be able to catch her at the promenade.”

“How do you know she’s at the promenade?” he asked her quizzically.

Joyce let a mischievous grin play over her face. “Let’s just say I made sure to know where she was tonight and leave it at that.”

Unable to hide the grin on his face he turned and walked away. As he was passing his father, Giles reached out and grabbed his arm with a questioning look. “William, where are you going?”

He grinned at his father like an idiot and simply stated, “Gotta go see about a girl.”


TBC


Thanks to Seraiza, baby spikes, brittany, Kimber, BuffyandSpikeForever, shelly, stace, lacey, gypsy_jin, Sevvy_O, and KT for the reviews. I can't tell you guys enough how much you rock! Kuddos!

Buffy sat in the middle of the promenade finding she was actually having a good time. Her friends Gunn, Fred, Wes, Lilah, Michael and Nina had gone out of their way to make sure she was having fun. They were all talking about their plans for after graduation and what they were going to do for the summer.

With all the talk about their upcoming graduation, Buffy couldn’t help but let her thoughts drift to Spike. Tonight he was graduating with all her friends, without her. They had always talked about the wild parties they would go to after ceremonies and how they were going to do nothing but hang on the beach all summer. She felt her heart ache at the thought of never getting to do any of those things with him now.

Connor noticed the distant look in Buffy’s eyes, leaning in he whispered in her ear, “Hey space cadet, want to come back to earth with the rest of us?”

Startled by the unexpected voice in her ear she let out an ‘eep!’ which caused everyone to stop talking and stare at her.

Connor let out a soft chuckle and shut up instantly when he saw Buffy glare at him evilly. Mouthing a silent ‘sorry’, he started up the conversation again.

“So…. What movie shall it be tonight?” he said trying to get everyone’s attention off Buffy.

“I don’t care as long as there’re fine ladies in it,” Gunn said earning him a smack from his girlfriend Fred.

“Charles behave.” Fred reprimanded him. She made sure to use his first name to let him know she was serious.

“How about that movie ‘The Note Book’?” Nina asked

“Isn’t that the one about the couple who gets together, but then gets separated by her parents and they go like years with out seeing each other…..” She stopped her triad at the sound of Buffy’s sobbing. They all sat for a minute wondering what the hell was wrong, when it dawned on them that the movie sounded a little too much like a certain pregnant blonde’s situation.

Lilah immediately began to apologize. “Oh God Buffy, I am so sorry, I didn’t even think. I swear I can be a shit like that sometimes.”

Buffy sniffled slightly and turned to Lilah. “No, don’t worry about it. I’m just overly sensitive here lately; you know with the whole pregnant hormone thing.”

Lilah walked around the table to give her a hug. “I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you like that,” she told her honestly.

Buffy pulled back and reassured her. “I know you didn’t.” Wiping the mascara from under her eyes, she tried to lighten the mood a little. “So, what other movies are playing that won’t leave me a blubbering mess?” she said jokingly.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and started talking animatedly again. Connor noticed she was still a bit upset so he broke into the group conversation. “Why don’t you guys go and buy the tickets and Buffy and I will meet you in just a minute.” With everyone in agreement, Gunn took the money Connor offered for his and Buffy’s tickets and the group made their way over to the theater.

Once everyone was out of earshot Connor turned to Buffy, “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Buffy felt fresh tears begin to sting her eyes. She knew she couldn’t lie to him. As her lip began to quiver, she shook her head ‘no’.

Connor felt his heart go out to the girl sitting in front of him. Felling the need to comfort her he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and coaxed her head down on his shoulder as he told her “Don’t worry Buffy, everything will work out the way it’s supposed too.”

Buffy wiped at her dripping nose and mumbled unintelligibly, “I just don’t know anymore Connor. What if I never see him again or even worse, what if he never sees the baby?”

Connor stroked her hair softly as he tried to sooth her with his words, “That will never happen.”

Buffy sat up straight and looked at him quizzically. Seeing the confusion on her face, he explained. “I know I’ve only known you for a little bit, but I know for a fact you’re a stubborn pain in the ass.” Dodging her fist he continued, “You won’t give up, you don’t have it in you to give up what you want most in this world,” his voice was full of sincerity.


Buffy couldn’t help but smile at his sweet words. She leaned over and gave him a soft hug. “Thank you Connor. I don’t know what I would do without you. You have been here to listen to all my drama from the beginning and surprisingly didn’t turn around and run. You really are a great guy.”

Standing from his seat, he smiled down at her. “Well what can I say, I’m a hell of a guy,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders.”

Buffy stood and rolled her eyes. “You sure do know how to kill a moment don’t you,” she said dryly.

Connor let out a laugh and shook his head. Standing in front of her, he wiped a tear from her cheek. “I don’t want to see anymore of those this evening. Understand?”

She saluted him playfully and said in a deep voice, “Yes Sir.”

They both laughed and shared a friendly hug before they headed over to the theater.


Spike felt his heart break in his chest. There was his girl, his very pregnant girl, with another guy. He felt like someone had just punched him in the gut and knocked the wind out of him. He let out a soft strangled cry of anguish. How could she do this to him? She was supposed to wait for him. But she hadn’t. She had met someone else and was apparently out on a date.

Spike suddenly felt his hurt turn into unadulterated rage. He wouldn’t be made a fool of. If she had moved on fine, but he wasn’t going to sit back and watch like some love sick puppy. The irony of the situation was all too much. He really was love’s bitch. Letting out a sardonic chuckle he turned and left to make his way back to Sunnydale.


Spike made it back to Sunnydale in record time. Bursting through the back door, he went straight to the fridge and pulled out a beer. Chugging the bitter brew in one sip, he reached back in and grabbed another. With every intent on drinking his second in the same fashion, he was interrupted by his father walking in the kitchen.

Giles noticed his son’s irritated state and his intent to get completely pissed, and fast, and was instantly concerned. “William what are you doing? I thought you were going to see Buffy?”

Spike let out a sadistic laugh that mad his father tremble. “Oh but Da’ I did.” His voice carried an eerie tone. He sauntered around the kitchen as he continued, “and you know what I found? Buffy, with her arms wrapped around some git in the middle of the promenade,” he ground out through clinched teeth.

Giles was flabbergasted. There had to be some sort of explanation. Thinking fast he tried, “Well did you ask her what she was doing there with this guy?”

Spike pinned him with a glare. “I didn’t have to; it was clear as fucking day what she was doing.”

Giles sighed heavily. This was not how things were supposed to work at all. He had expected that Buffy and his son would reunite. He had bought them both plane tickets to spend the summer in England as his graduation present to them. Now things had gone completely wrong and he had two paid-in-full open date tickets to England on his hands. An idea struck him. What his son needed right now was a holiday, a chance to get away for a while and forget all of the mess here in Sunnydale.

“William listen, I was going to wait to give you my graduation present, but I think now would be a better idea.” He handed Spike the tickets.

Spike looked at them and gave his father a confused look.

Giles decided telling him what the original plan for those tickets was a bad idea, so he decided to embellish a bit. “I got them in hopes you and I could spend the summer in England together before you went off to college. We could visit with your grandparents and then just bounce around and tour a bit. What do you say?”

Spike stared at the tickets in his hands. This was exactly what he needed, to be half way across the world from what had now become his fucked up life. He knew he would eventually have to come back, but for now, he could pretend it didn’t exist. Looking back up at his father with firm resolve, he replied, “When do we leave?”



TBC


I know another cliff hanger. Please don't stone me!

Thanks to lacey, Becky, stace, gypsy_jin, blondiebear, shelly, Kattie, Brittany, Kimber, and BRI for the awsome reviews. Please just keep in mind that this is a Spuffy fic, it just has to work its way there. Please don't totally hate me for all the angst, cause I really am a sweet person, honest. Say you still love me?

Buffy walked in the door at nearly one in the morning. She hadn’t intended on staying out so late, but she and her friends had got so caught up talking about the movie they saw that time just flew by. Noticing all the lights in the house were off, Buffy tiptoed to her room as to not wake any one and fell promptly to sleep.


Giles awoke early the next morning to make last minute arrangements for their flight. The Giles men had done the majority of their packing the night before, but there were lots of loose ends that needed to be taken care of. Giles called his business partner and life long friend Ethan Rayne to make arrangements for him to watch the shop for him while he was out of town. Ethan gladly obliged and offered to take him and William to the airport. Giles gladly accepted and they agreed for Ethan to come by the house promptly at 10 am. After hanging up the phone, Giles looked over at the clock and noticed it was already 8:30 and decided to wake William before he made his last phone call.

Spike shuffled around his room getting together last minute things to put in his suitcase. He was digging around in the bottom of his closet trying to find his favorite pair of Doc Marten’s when he came across the green T-shirt he had found in Buffy’s room. Sitting back on his haunches, he brought the shirt to his nose and inhaled deeply. It still smelled like ‘her’. Feeling that familiar ache in his chest, he closed his eyes to fight back the tears that were threatening to betray him. He folded the shirt as if it were the most precious thing he owned and got off the floor and placed it in his suitcase. Just as he was zipping it shut, his father walked in the door.

“William I was just coming to wake you,” Giles said, surprised that his son was already up and ready to go.

Spike turned to his father with sad eyes. “I’ve been up for awhile now; couldn’t sleep so I just figured I would get up and make sure I had everything ready to go.” He had a mournful tone to his voice.

Giles regarded his son. He looked absolutely crestfallen. Walking over to his son, he sat on the bed in front of him. “William, I can only imagine how much you’re hurting right now. Maybe we should postpone our trip for a while.” His heart went out to his grief-stricken child.

Spike took a deep breath and stood tall. “No Da’, we’re gonna go. I need some time away to clear my head, and I think this trip will help me do just that.”

Giles patted his son’s arm and smiled up at him wearily. “Right then… I need to make another phone call, so I’ll leave you to gather your last minute things. Ethan will be here in an hour or so, so be ready to leave by then.”

Spike nodded his head in agreement as his father left to make his call. Spike plopped on the edge of his bed and rested his elbows on his knees as he buried his face in his hands. Shaking his head wearily, he thought to himself, ‘I’m doing the right thing, aren’t I?’
Giles entered his bedroom and picked up the phone on his nightstand. Dialing the number, he waited for someone to answer. After two rings, a voice came over the line.

“Hello?”

“Hello Joyce, it’s Rupert. I didn’t wake you did I?”

“Not at all, I was just sitting having my morning coffee and reading the paper. Is everything alright?”

Giles sat and thought about that question for a moment and before he could even think about what he was saying, he muttered out a simple ‘no’.

Hearing the monotone ness of his voice, Joyce grew concerned. “Giles what’s wrong?”

Taking a deep breath, he proceeded to explain last night’s events. “Apparently when William went to go see Buffy last night things didn’t go as planned. I’ve decided to take William to England for the summer so….” He was interrupted by the sound of a car horn honking. Returning to his conversation, he said hastily, “I’m so sorry Joyce it appears that our ride has arrived early so I’m afraid I have to let you go. I’ll be sure to call when we get back in town. Talk to you soon. Goodbye.”

Joyce was in such a state of shock she couldn’t find words. All she heard was Rupert say a hasty goodbye and then the dial tone. Once she got her thoughts straight, she hurriedly picked up the phone and dialed Faith’s number. She sat there waiting for someone, anyone to pick up the phone, but no one answered.

Buffy woke up late that morning. She stretched out in her bed and yawned. She slept hard last night from staying out so late. Crawling out of bed, she felt the all too familiar feeling of nausea that had been plaguing her for the last few months. Resisting the urge to throw up, she made her way to the bathroom to get showered.

While in the shower, Buffy thought she heard the phone ring. At first, thinking she was hearing things, she continued to wash her hair. After hearing it ring a few more times, she hurriedly rinsed her hair and threw on her bathrobe. By the time she got to the phone, it had quit ringing. Curiosity getting the better of her, she picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID. When she saw her mother’s number, she contemplated on whether to call her back or not. Still not quite sure if she was ready to talk with her mother just yet, she opted not to call back and finish her shower. ‘Faith would be home later, she can all her back’ she thought to herself as she finished her shower.

Giles hurried down stairs to answer the door. Opening it, he ushered Ethan in and led him to the living room. “You’re here early?”

“Yeah well, I figured we might hit a little lunch hour traffic so I wanted to give us plenty of time to get there.”
Giles gave him an appreciative smile. “You’re probably right. Just let me get William and we can be on our way.” Ethan nodded in agreement and Giles went to collect his son.

Giles walked in Spike’s room to find him standing in front of his dresser. Careful not to startle him, he approached him slowly and placed a hand on his shoulder. When Spike made no sign of responding, Giles leaned over and looked over his son’s shoulder. There in his son’s hand was a double picture frame. In it was a picture of William and his mother smiling almost blindingly at the person taking the photo and in the other frame was a picture of him and Buffy. It was taken at William’s 18th surprise birthday party. Buffy was sitting in his lap kissing him on the cheek while William smiled like an idiot. Giles should have noticed before how in love those two had really been. Feeling tears come to his eyes, he muttered softly, “William it’s time to leave now son.” Spike never turning around nodded his head, placed the frame back on the dresser, and walked out of his room with his bags in hand.

Once they packed their things in the back of Ethan’s SUV, they climbed in and started the drive to LAX. Spike sat in the back seat watching the town of Sunnydale passing by. He was leaving. He was going to do the one thing he never thought possible, leave Buffy behind. He knew he would be back after summer, but to him it felt like an eternity without her. As he watched the ‘Now leaving Sunnydale’ sign pass by, he leaned his head against the back of the seat, swallowed his tears and let sleep take him over.


TBC


Thanks to sonia, Seraiza, raven_robin4ever, carri, BuffyandSpikeForever, Alison, Sevvy_O, gypsy_jin, blondibear, Mischa, Becky, Kayla, KT, spikes_niblet, stace, rockerbaby, Pam, Lacey, Kattie, shelly, Brittany, and spikester0889 for the reviews. This is the most reviews I have ever recieved on my fic. I know some of you were mad, but I appreciate the feed back.


A special note to angry. Please don't hate me. I promise to make it a Spuffy ending. Kuddos guys!

Buffy sat on the couch watching one of her favorite movies, ‘She’s all that.’ Freddie Prinze was such a babe! Looking at the clock, she wondered where Faith, Lindsey and Sam were. It was a little after 2 o’clock and they had been gone all day. Normally Faith would leave her a note or something if they left before she got up, but this morning there wasn’t one. Just as she was fixing to go in the kitchen to check and see if maybe she had over looked it, Faith and Lindsey came walking through the door.

Faith and Lindsey came walking in hand in hand with bags in their arms. Faith smiled at Buffy and nodded, “Hey B, what’s up?”

Buffy shrugged her shoulders. “Nothin’ really, just sat on the couch and watched TV.” Buffy looked at her sister quizzically and asked, “Where’s Sam?”

“After her class trip she went to stay the night with her friend Hannah.”

Buffy nodded her head and went back to the living room. Faith followed her and sat next to her on the couch. Giving her a smirk she asked, “So, how did go last night? Did you finally get your naughty on?” she raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Buffy almost wet her pants from shock. She let out a loud shriek. “FAITH! I can’t believe you just asked me that!”

Faith nudged her with her arm. “Come on B. You’re trying to tell me that after not seeing Will for almost four months, that you two didn’t get all bouncy last night.”

Buffy looked at her sister thoroughly confused. “Faith, what the hell are you talking about? I never saw Spike last night.”

Now it was Faith’s turn to be confused. “Mom said she was going to tell him last night at graduation where you were. She even called right after you left to make sure you would be home. When you weren’t here I told Mom you would be at the promenade with some friends all night.”

Buffy looked at her sister as if she had lost her mind. “You did WHAT?”

Faith winced slightly. “I figured he could surprise you. You know all that old romantic movie crap. Guy finds girl, runs to her and they have the big reunion thing with the crappy music playing in the back ground.”

Buffy buried her face in her hands. How could she have not seen him? But better yet, why hadn’t he come and talked to her. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. He had seen her there with Connor. Sheer horror took a hold of her body. She snapped her eyes to Faith. “FUCK! He saw me there with Connor! He must have thought that we were ‘together’ and left.”

Faith’s eyes went wide. “Buffy you have to call him and explain everything to him NOW.”

With out answering her sister, she flew off the couch to the phone. Franticly she dialed his number mumbling to herself for him to pick up the phone. When there was no answer, she hung it up and quickly tried to think of whom to call next. Just as she was fixing to call Xander, she remembered her mother calling that morning. She felt her stomach drop to her knees. What if her mother had talked to Spike? Cursing herself for not calling her mother back, she quickly dialed her mother’s house and waited for her to answer. Each ring felt like an eternity. Finally, on the fourth ring her Mom answered the phone.

Oh thank God! Faith, where have you been all day?” Joyce had been waiting for her call all day.

“No Mom, it’s Buffy. Have you talked to Spike or Giles?” Her voice was borderline hysterical.

Joyce sighed heavily. “Buffy, Giles called this morning. He and William are leaving for England for the summer.”

Buffy almost dropped the phone. Getting a firmer grip on the receiver she rapped out, “What?”

“He called at about 9:30 this morning. He didn’t explain much to me because his ride was there early to pick him up. Buffy what happened last night?”

Buffy dropped the phone and ran into the kitchen. “Lindsey you have to get me to LAX NOW!”

Lindsey looked at Buffy and saw the desperation written all over her face. Without asking any questions, he grabbed his keys and they headed for the door.

Faith watched as her husband and sister flee the house. Wondering what the hell was going on when she saw the phone lying on the floor. As she went to hang it up, she heard her mother yelling on the other end. Bringing the phone to her ear she asked, “Mom, is that you?”

“Faith what happened? One minute I was talking to Buffy and the next I hear the phone hit the floor. Is my baby okay?” her voice was frantic.

Faith looked back at the open front door. “She and Lindsey just stormed out of here so I’d go with she’s okay, but the question is, where the hell were they going in such a damn hurry?”

Joyce sighed heavily, “My guess would be to the airport.”


Buffy jumped out of the car before it came to a complete stop. She flew through the doors so fast she almost collided head on with guy pulling a luggage trolley. Skidding to a halt to avoid the man, she maneuvered her way around him and made her way to the gate area. Buffy was brought to a halt by a middle-aged security guard. “Sorry ma’am, but you can’t go any further without a boarding pass.”

Buffy looked at him with pleading eyes. “Please, you have to let me through. I have to stop someone from getting on a plane.” She begged him mercifully.

He looked at her apologetically. Sorry ma’am, but I can’t let you do that. I understand that this must be important to you, but I still can’t let you pass without a boarding pass.”

Buffy looked up at him with tear filled eyes. “Please, the father of my child is about to get on a plane to England without me getting a chance to tell him I love him.”

The security guard looked at her with her tear-filled eyes and his resolve melted. “Listen, if I let you go, you have to promise me to be back in 20 minutes or else I’ll come after you myself.”

Buffy squealed, threw her arms round his neck, and squeezed. Pulling away, she flashed him a bright smile and ran towards the gates.

Shaking his head he called after her, “And if you get caught, I’ll tell them you ran through like a mad woman.” He said with a soft smile on his face.

Spike sat in the gate terminal waiting for his boarding call. His mind was swirling of thoughts of Buffy. Every time he closed his eyes, he would see her at the promenade with her arms wrapped around another guy. He couldn’t shake the site from his memory. Hearing his section being called he got up and made his way to board the plane. Just as he was about to hand the attendant his ticket he heard his name being called out.

Buffy ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She could hear the final boarding call for flight 247 to England being called over the PA system. She didn’t know for sure if that was his fight, but she was damn sure going to find out. Just as she reached the terminal, she saw Spike getting ready to board the plane. Excitement filling her she screamed out, “SPIKE!”

Spike could recognize that voice anywhere. He looked up at his father standing in front of him. Giles put a hand on his shoulder and stated, “I’ll understand if you don’t come. Do what’s best for YOU William.” And then turned and boarded the plane. Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned to the voice calling his name.

Buffy stood there waiting for him to turn around. She felt like her stomach was in knots. Here was the boy who had been the object of her every thought since that fateful morning when she was torn away from him. Once he turned to fully look at her, she gazed at him hopefully.

Spike was at a lose. Here she was, his Buffy, standing right before him. Then the painful memory of her at the promenade hit him. She wasn’t his Buffy anymore. She apparently belonged to someone else. He stood there just staring at her, emotionless.

Buffy wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around him and tell him over and over again how much she loved him, but the look on his face kept her in place. Tears filling her eyes she asked, “Why didn’t you come to see me?” her voice cracked slightly from all her emotion.

Spike let his hurt turn to anger. “Oh but that’s the thing Pet. I did come to see you, and you know what I saw; you and some git with your hands all over each other.” He bit out sardonically.

Buffy let out a sob. “It’s not what you think.”

“Oh really, then explain to me how you with your arms wrapped around some other guy is nothing,’’ he snapped at her.

Buffy continued to let her tears fall. “We’re just friends. I swear there is absolutely nothing between me and Connor. You have to believe me.” She put her hands over her face and sobbed even harder. How could he think she would just simply move on like that?

Spike felt his heart ache at the sight of her crying in front of him. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and never let her go. His heart was telling him to forgive her right then and there, but his pride wouldn’t let him. He knew what he saw last night and it was still too fresh in his mind to see rationally. Backing away slowly he chocked out, “Sorry Pet, but I have to go.” Turning around he walked over to the attendant, handed her his boarding pass, and got on the plane without looking back.

Buffy stood there frozen in place. He was gone. Emotions hitting all at once she collapsed to floor and began to sob uncontrollably. The attendant at the booth rushed to her, helping her to stand as she asked, “Miss are you okay?”

Buffy looked at the woman with tear-swollen eyes and shook her head ‘no’. The attendant unsure of what to do led her back to the security station at the gate terminal entrance.

Buffy walked through the airport in a daze, her encounter with Spike playing over and over in her head. That was not how she had imagined it at all. She pictured catching him at the last minute and falling into his arms and him kissing her till she was left breathless. Instead, he had simply walked away from her and left. Realizing she had stopped walking she snapped back to reality. Standing before her were Lindsey and the security guard that had let her through the checkpoint.

Lindsey took one look at Buffy and knew it hadn’t gone well. Thanking the attendant for escorting her back, he walked over and wrapped Buffy in his arms. Feeling her weight give he gathered her in his arms and brought her over to a nearby bench. Sitting them down, he lifted her chin so he could look her in the eyes. “Buffy are you alright?” His was voice smooth and comforting.

Buffy felt fresh tears roll down her cheeks as she shook her head ‘no’ and whispered “Lindsey he’s gone.”






TBC


Thanks to BuffyandSpikeForever, Mac, gypsy_jin, Sevvy_O, Brittany, Kimber, blondiebear, Pam, lacey, Mischa, and Kattie for the reviews and sticking with me on this one. I do promise you guys in not the next chapter, but the one after that the Spuffyness begins! Oh, YAY! I broke the 200 mark in reviews, and it's all thanks to you guys! You all rock! Kuddos

Three months later

Buffy stood looking out her window wondering what Spike was doing at that very moment. It had been three months since she saw him at the airport. Three months since he had walked out of her life. She hadn’t so much as heard one word from him since he had been in England. She was beginning to wonder if he was going to stay permanently.

The last three months had been a nightmare for her. She couldn’t sleep and she had no appetite at all. Her OB had gotten on her at her last appointment about her weight, so she made a point to try to eat more for the sake of the baby. All she wanted to do was fall asleep and never wake up, because it was only in her dreams that she was with Spike.

Buffy went and sat in her rocker and rubbed a hand over her swollen tummy as she spoke softly to her unborn child. “Hey in there, are you sleepin’?” a small kick was her response. “I’ll take that as a no,” she chuckled softly and earned another soft kick. “I can’t wait for you to be here. You are going to be the most beautiful baby ever born because you are gonna look just like your daddy. You remember me telling you about him, right? He’s the most gorgeous man I have ever met. I hope you get a chance to meet him. Right now, he’s in England. I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but hopefully some day soon.” Buffy felt hot tears roll down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry that he’s not here for you, but I promise I’m gonna do everything I can to make your daddy come back to us.” Rubbing her belly affectionately, she drifted off to sleep. She was once again in her perfect dream world where she and Spike always lived happily ever after.


Spike sat in the guesthouse of his grandparents’ estate feeling very apprehensive. He would be returning back to the States in the morning and back to the reality he had been avoiding all summer. He had toured all over England and still felt as miserable as the day he left. Nothing he did could make him forget the girl he left shattered at the airport. As soon as he had arrived in London, he knew he had made the wrong decision. Hell, as soon as he got on the plane he knew but he had let his pride get in the way of his heart.

He wrote a letter to Buffy for everyday that he had been in England. Too afraid to mail them, he would tuck them away, hidden in his suitcase. He knew he was being a coward, but the guilt he felt for leaving her was too much. He was positive she hated him. How could she not? He had pretty much called her a liar to her face. When she tried to explain herself, he had merely turned his back on her and left.

Putting his last letter in an envelope, he sealed it and tucked it away with the others in his suitcase. His father had gone out for the evening with an old friend he had grown up with, so Spike was alone for the night. Feeling the need for some company, Spike headed for the main house to visit with his grandmother.

Grace Amelia Adams Livingston was the picture of upper class society. She had grown up in upper class London with her parents till she married Ernest Livingston III. The Livingston family was well known all throughout England for their wealth. When Grace and Ernest’s only daughter married Rupert it didn’t go over to well with the family. But Lily being the strong willed girl she was simply stated she was in love and there was nothing anyone could say or do to change that. Grace and Ernest knowing their daughter, reluctantly gave in and gave them their blessing. Grace had decided it was the best thing they could have done because it gave Lily the life she always wanted.

Spike walked into the huge mansion and headed towards the parlor room. When he didn’t see her in her chair he called out to her, “Gran?” When she didn’t respond he began to search the bottom floor for her. Walking down the hall, he saw Sophie, the housekeeper, walking his direction. Knowing she would know where his Gran was, he made his way to her.

Sophie had worked for the Livingston’s for over thirty years. She came to them at the young age of twenty as just a commoner off the streets, but they had welcomed her into their home and she had been there ever since. Seeing William walking towards her, she approached him with a bright smile in greeting.

“Master William is there anything I can do for you this evening?”

Spike blushed at her formality of his name. He had never been comfortable being called master. Giving her a charming smile, he replied, “Yes Sophie, as a matter of fact there is. I’m looking for my Gran. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is would you?”

She couldn’t help but smile at him. She had always thought he was the most charming young man she had ever met. “Why yes Master William, she’s in her room upstairs. I’m sure she’d love your company.”

Spike gave her a dazzling smile and headed up stairs to his grandmother’s room.

Standing outside her door, he knocked gently and waited to be invited in. Upon hearing a soft ‘Come in William’, he entered her room. Giving her a sheepish grin, he asked, “How’d you know it was me?”

Grace looked up at her grandson from her lounge chair. “Only you and you alone sound like a heard of elephants coming up the stairs.”

Spike chuckled at his Gran and walked over to place a kiss on her cheek. “Sorry Gran, but maybe if the staircase wasn’t a mile long I could be more graceful.”

Grace smiled affectionately at him and patted the ottoman in front of her, gesturing for him to sit.

Spike took his seat and took her frail hands in his. “Gran, there’s something I need to talk with you about.” Grace straightened in her seat and nodded for him to continue. “See… there’s this girl, Buffy. She is the most amazing woman in the world. And well I royally bollixed things up with her bad. What do I do to fix it?”

Grace removed her hands from his and cupped his cheeks. “William, if she is as half as amazing as you say she is, then she will forgive you.”

Spike pulled away from his grandmother and began to pace the room. “No Gran, you don’t understand.” He stopped his pacing and looked at his grandmother. Hesitating for a moment, he continued, “I don’t know if Da’ told you, but Buffy’s pregnant.” He stood there and waited for her reaction.

Grace looked at him with loving eyes. “William come sit down.” Once he was seated, she took his hand in hers and continued. “Your father came to me the night you arrived and told me about the whole situation between you and this young girl. You are a strong man to have endured the heartache that has burdened you for these past months. You are a fighter, just like your mother. You don’t know how to give up. I know in my heart you’ll do the right thing.”

Spike regarded his grandmother with tear-filled eyes. She was so sure of him when he was still so unsure of himself. Letting his tears fall he choked out, “It’s just so complicated.”

“Do you love her?” she asked blatantly.

Spike wiped his tears away and replied earnestly, “With every fiber of my being.”

Grace smiled at him brightly. “Then go to her. Don’t second guess yourself. Instead follow your heart, it’s the only one who truly knows you.” She waited a beat and continued, “William, I see a man before me with a huge heart just waiting for someone to love it. And I know that someone is Buffy. She has your child, your blood William and you don’t give up on blood. You have to go to her and tell her what’s in your heart,” she said with much resolve.

Spike leaned in, hugged his grandmother, and whispered in her ear, “Thanks Gran, I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Grace pulled away from her grandson and patted his knee. “Well I’ve been around for some time now, so I happened to pick up a few things along the way,” she told him light heartedly.

He let out a booming laugh, “Come now Gran, you don’t look a day over twenty- five.”

She gave him a playful scowl and joined in his laughter. Spike stood and was getting ready to leave when his grandmother stopped him. “William, there’s something I would like to give you before you leave.”

Spike gave her a quizzical look as he watched her cross the room to her bureau. When she returned back to her chair she had a small box in her hand. Spike looked at her with wide eyes as she held out the box to him. Opening the box, his eyes nearly fell out of his head. It was his mother’s diamond ring. Looking back up at her, he stammered out “b-b-ut this i-i-s…” he couldn’t even form a complete sentence.

Grace smiled and finished for him. “Your mother’s ring; well actually, your great, great, great grandmother’s ring. It’s been passed down from generation to generation, and seeing how Lily never had a daughter; it goes to you to give to your bride.”

Spike was in awe. He never would have expected her to give him something like this. Then the thought of Buffy wearing this ring crossed his mind. He couldn’t hide the smile that crossed his features at the idea.

Grace saw the huge smile on her grandson’s face and knew exactly what he was thinking. She let a grin play at her mouth. “I suppose you’ll be needing this here soon,” she said gesturing to the ring.

Spike suddenly saw things in a new light. He was going to get his girl. He didn’t care if he had to go to the ends of the world and back to prove to her what she meant to him; he would do it. She was the mother of his child and nothing could keep him away. Not Joyce, not his father, not anyone. Placing the ring box in his duster pocket, he looked down at his grandmother with determination clear on his face and said, “I suppose you’re right.”


TBC



Thanks to Seraiza, Pam, Alison, Kimber, Aisling, Mac, Lacey, Mischa, DK, B, gypsy_jin, Susan, Becky, tayhaangel, spufette, Brittany, spikes_niblet, BuffyandSpikeForever, Jess, blondiebear, stace, Sevvy_O, and to everyone I may have forgotten. Your reviews mean the wolrd to me! I am still awe struck that there are so many of you guys. Enjoy! Kuddos!

Buffy woke up to find herself still in her rocking chair from the night before. Opening her eyes groggily, she stretched as best she could and sat up. She noticed she felt somewhat off. Her head felt like it was underwater. Chalking it up to having skipped dinner the night before, she got up to go to the bathroom and find something to eat. She didn’t make it two steps when dizziness took over and everything went black.



Spike and Giles arrived home feeling completely exhausted. Between the flight from London and the ride back to Sunnydale, they had been traveling for nearly 17 hours. It was only 6 o’clock and all either men wanted to do was collapse in bed and sleep for the two days. Trudging in the door, Spike went straight to the living room and plopped on the couch. He was about to drift off to sleep when he heard a hysterical voice come from the answering machine.

“Giles, it’s Joyce. Buffy collapsed this morning and has been rushed to Los Angeles Memorial. As soon as you get this message you need to get here right away. We haven’t….” and then the machine was cut off.

Spike leaped off the couch and ran into the hallway. Spike looked at his father with fear-laden eyes. Completely paralyzed with fear, he just stood there looking from his father to the answering machine.

Giles was on his son in two long strides. Grabbing him by the shoulder, he said to him as calmly as possible, “William we have to leave NOW!” When his son didn’t respond, he shook him to try to snap him out of his catatonic state. “William please! You have to listen to me. We don’t have any time to waste.”

Spike snapped his eyes to his father and nodded numbly. He felt like everything was going in slow motion. This couldn’t be happening. He was going to go to her and tell her how sorry he was for being such an idiot. Tell her that he couldn’t live another day without her. Tell her he wanted to spend the rest of eternity with her if she’d have him. But now, the girl he loved, the mother of his child, was in a hospital and he had no idea what was wrong with her.

Giles grabbed his keys and pushed his son out the door to get in the car so they could make the long drive back to LA.

Joyce paced back and forth in the waiting room franticly wondering where the hell Giles was. As soon as she got word from Faith that Buffy was in the hospital she jumped in her car and left. She had called Ethan at the bookshop from her cell phone to get the number of where Giles and William were staying.

Ethan informed her that they were returning home that day and would be arriving around four. Asking if he could take a message, Joyce quickly told him ‘no’ and disconnected the call so she could call and leave a message for Rupert at home.

Spike ran through the hospital doors and went straight to the information desk. Breathing in huge gulps of air, he spoke to the receptionist. “I need to find Buffy Summers; she was brought in this morning.”

The receptionist began to type into her computer. “Let’s see…..” she looked up at him apologetically. “Sir, there isn’t a ‘Buffy Summers’ listed as a patient here.”

Spike let out a growl of frustration. “Well then bloody look under Elizabeth Summers.”

The receptionist glared at him over her glasses and began to type again. “Ah yes, Elizabeth Summers, third floor. They must have just brought her up because there isn’t a room number, but if you go to the nurse’s station, they can tell you what room she’s in.”

Spike nodded in thanks and darted for the elevator with his father right behind him. When the doors opened he was about to run to the nurse’s station but stopped short when he saw Joyce, Faith, and Lindsey standing in the waiting room.

Joyce heard the door’s to the elevator open she stopped in her tracks and looked over. When she saw William blow out the elevator, she ran and threw her arms around him. Nearly knocking him over, she told him gratefully, “Oh William, thank God you’re here!”

Spike balanced himself just barely as Joyce flew in his arms. Embracing her for a moment, he pulled away. “Tell me? Is she alright?”

Joyce gave him a weary look. “They are doing some tests right now. The doctor I spoke with earlier thinks she collapsed due to stress, but he couldn’t tell us anything definite.”

Spike began to pace franticly. “Well, when will they bloody know something? I can’t just stand around here and not know if she’s alright.” He stopped his pacing and looked at Joyce with fearful eyes. “What about the baby?”

Just as Joyce was about to say something, the doctor walked up to them. “Hello, I’m Dr. Colbert. I’ve been seeing over Buffy today. I just want to let you all know that Buffy’s gonna be fine. She took a nasty bump to the head, so I want to keep her overnight for observation, but you should be able to take her home in the morning.”

Spike was the first to speak up. “What about the baby?” his voice was raw with emotion.

Dr. Colbert gave him a warm smile. “Baby’s doing just fine.” Spike let out the breath he had been holding and nodded his head at the doctor.

“Buffy is resting right now, but you are more than welcome to go back and see her.”

Joyce shook the doctor’s hand and thanked him. Once the doctor left, Joyce headed over to the nurse’s station. “What room is Elizabeth Summers in?” The nurse looked up at her and replied, “Room 306, but only two may go back at a time, so if you all want to take turns going in to see her that would be fine.” She thanked the nurse and headed back over to the group.

“Buffy’s in room 306, but only two of us can go back at a time.” Turning to Spike, she gave him a warm smile. “William I think you should go in first. We’ll wait out here till you’re done.”

Spike looked at Joyce completely shocked. Without a second thought, he made his way to Buffy’s room.

Spike stood out side of her room nervously. He wondered how she was going to react to him being here. Hesitating for a moment, he opened the door. The site before him brought tears to his eyes. Careful not to wake her, he pulled up a chair next to her bed and sat down. He watched as her chest rose and fell in an even rhythm. She looked so small and helpless lying in that big bed. With a tentative hand, he reached out and took her hand in his. He had never noticed until now how small her hands were, almost child-like. Leaning his head on the edge of the bed, he began to talk to her.

“Hey luv, you gave us quite a scare.” His voice began to crack as he rubbed the back of her hand affectionately. “God Buffy, I’m so sorry. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. I thought about you every day while I was gone, even wrote you letters. I never sent them, but I did save them to give to you one day. I know your probably thinking I’m an absolute git for not sending them, but I was afraid you hated me for what I’d done to you. I was so afraid that you would send them back or even write to tell me never to speak to you again, and I don’t think I would have been able to handle that.” Spike heard someone enter the room and snapped his eyes towards the door.

“I’m sorry sir, but visiting hours are over. You can come back tomorrow at 8 am after the doctors make their rounds,” the nurse told him in a soft voice.

Spike was about to ask for just a little more time when he felt something or better yet someone squeeze his hand. Snapping his eyes from the nurse, he looked down to see Buffy staring up at him with tear-filled eyes. He felt his heart leap into his throat. Swallowing several times to try and ease the tightness in his throat, he choked out “Buffy.”

Buffy laid there trying to bring herself to consciousness. She could hear someone talking to her. At first, it sounded muffled as if she had cotton in her ears, but the harder she concentrated the clearer it got. Using everything she had she forced herself to open her eyes. When she saw Spike sitting at her bedside, her heart began to swell. He had come for her. Unsure of her voice, she squeezed his hand to get his attention.

They sat there with their eyes locked on one another; both afraid that if they looked away the other would disappear. Staying that way for what seemed like seconds; the nurse broke through their moment.

“I’m sorry sir, but you’re going to have to leave. You can…” when she was cut off by a small voice.

“I want him to stay,” Buffy’s voice was barely a whisper from lack of use.

The nurse looked at her apologetically. “Ma’am I’m sorry, but the only time we can make exceptions is for immediate family members.”

Buffy took a deep breath and gave her a resolved look. “He’s the father, so I think that qualifies him as immediate family.” Turning to Spike she saw huge tears roll down his already tear-stained cheeks.

The nurse studied the couple before her and gave a heavy sigh. “Well I suppose I can make an exception to the rule.” Looking over to Spike, she continued, “I’ll bring a cot in for you so you don’t have to sleep in the chair.” Spike gave her a grateful smile. Seeing they wanted some privacy, she turned to leave the room. Just as she was almost out the door, she was stopped. “Ma’am would you mind letting our family know I’ll be staying here tonight?” Spike asked.

“Sure, no problem. I’ll be back with your cot shortly.” She said and then was out the door.

Spike turned to Buffy. “Are you sure you want me to stay? You wouldn’t rather have Faith or your Mum stay with you.”

Buffy gave him a hurt look and felt fresh tears begin to surface. “You don’t want to stay?”

Spike looked at her like she was crazy. “Of course I wan to stay with you.” His face softened as he looked at her with love-filled eyes. “I don’t ever want to be away from you again. I love you Buffy.”

Buffy looked at him with wide eyes. He had just told her that he loved her. Tears falling down her cheeks asked in a soft whisper, “What did you just say?”

Spike gave her a teary smile and replied, “I love you.”

Buffy sat up straight in her bed. There was no mistaking it he loved her. Saying the only thing her brain could process, she said in a soft voice, “I love you too.”

Spike felt like his heart was going to explode. He had told her he loved her and to his great surprise she had returned it with out a drop of hesitation. Unable to resist the urge any longer, he swooped in and smashed his lips to hers.

At the contact of his lips, Buffy felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. Pulling back, she rested her forehead against his. “Oh Spike I missed you so much. I was afraid you’d never come back.”

“I could never stay away from you. I tried to see you, but you were already gone. I felt like part of me was dying everyday that I was away from you.” He told her mournfully as he leaned back in to capture her lips.

This time when Spike kissed her she instinctively grazed her tongue against his bottom lip begging for entrance to the warm cavern of his mouth.

When Spike felt her tongue brush his lip he let out a deep groan. He instantly parted his lips and let her tongue mingle with his. It felt like heaven. When oxygen became an issue, he pulled away, looked deep in her beautiful green eyes and cupped her cheeks in his hands. “You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamed of kissing you,” he rasped out.

Buffy smiled at him. “Just kissing me?” she asked coyly.

Spike let out a growl. “Oh, there was more than just kissing.” He relied with lust thick in his voice. There was his little sex kitten.

Buffy couldn’t help but blush at his admission. Letting out a sigh she scooted over in her bed and patted the seat next to her. Spike climbed in the bed and spooned her in his arms. Reaching around to wrap his arms around her, he noticed for the first time the slight swell of her belly. He stared at her with awe-filled eyes.

She felt his arms wrap around her and waited for his reaction to her swollen mid section. When he just stared at her, she rested her head on his chest and pulled up her gown to expose the swell of her stomach and in a teary voice she introduced Spike to their baby. “Spike, I’d like you to meet our baby.”

Spike felt hot tears run down his cheek. Swallowing down the knot in his throat, he sat up and leaned over to place a kiss on her belly. “Hey bit, I’m your dad,” he said with pride. Making himself comfortable, he sidled up beside her belly and propped his head up on his elbow. “I can’t wait to see you.” Buffy ran her fingers lazily through his soft un-gelled curls as he spoke. “Since the moment I found out about you I wanted nothing more than to be with you and your mum. I know I haven’t been around, but I bollixed it up real good with her by acting like a complete prat, but I promise you, if she’ll have me I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you both. What do you say, sound good to you?”

Buffy pulled him up to lie next to her to look deep in his piercing blue eyes. “The baby says that sounds great,” she whispered as she leaned in to kiss him.

Spike felt like he was flying. He had been on such a roller coaster of emotions for the last six months, but nothing compared to what he was feeling right now. Pulling back, he cupped her cheeks in his hand. “I swear Buffy, I’m gonna make you so happy and do everything within my power to make sure you stay that way forever.” He said sincerely as he peppered kisses on her face.

Buffy smiled at him with loving eyes. “I know you will.” Snuggling into his arms, she let out a sigh of content. “Spike, I love you.” Spike kissed the top of her head. “I love you too kitten. Why don’t you try and get some rest and we can finish talking in the morning.” Buffy nodded her head against his chest and let out a yawn. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around him protectively as if he might disappear and drifted off to sleep. When her breathing became rhythmic, Spike closed his eyes and let sleep take him over as well.

The nurse walked in the room with Spike’s cot to find the gorgeous blond couple fast asleep in the bed together. A smile curled at her lips from the adorable site. Careful not to wake them; she backed out of the room, turned out the lights and shut the door.



TBC



Thanks to Lacey, rockerbaby, beverly, KT, stace, opal, Becky, spuffette, Brittany, Sevvy_O, Mischa, and Kimber for the reviews. There great! Also thanks to everyone out there wh has read it, the amount of hits is amazing. Kuddos!

Buffy woke up with warm muscular arms wrapped securely around her. Knowing they were Spike’s, she let a smile play at her lips and snuggled deeper into him. When she felt something hard pressed against her backside she let out a giggle.

Spike felt a tightening in the crotch of his jeans as Buffy wiggled against him. Letting out a low growl, he nuzzled the back of her neck. “You’d best stop all that wiggling of that cute little bottom of yours, otherwise I’ll be threatened to ravage you right here and now,” he said as he kissed and nipped at the spot right behind her ear.

Buffy let out a gasp at his ministrations. She felt a sudden pool of moisture between her thighs. Rolling over in his arms, she gazed at him seductively. “Promise?”

His erection grew even harder from the lust-filled look on her face. Without warning, Spike leaned in and plundered her mouth with his. Just when the kiss was beginning to deepen, they were interrupted by the clearing of someone’s throat. Pulling away quickly, they turned to see Dr. Colbert standing in the doorway.

Buffy straightened up in the bed and attempted to flatten out her bed-tousled hair. Seeing the amused look on the doctor’s face, her cheeks flushed a deep scarlet.

Dr. Colbert bit back the urge to laugh at the embarrassed looks on the blonde couple’s faces and sat in the chair next to the bed.

“Good morning.” Sticking out his hand to Spike, he said, “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced.”

Spike returned the handshake and replied, “William Giles.”

“Well nice to met you William.” Turning back to Buffy he continued, I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing before they go ahead and discharge you.”

Buffy flashed him a bright smile. “Much better now,” she said as she turned and looked lovingly at Spike. Spike returned her smile and placed a feather-light kiss to her forehead.

“That’s good to hear. I brought the ultrasound machine with me to do one last scan. Do Mom and Dad want to get a look at the baby?”

Buffy turned to Spike, “What do ya say Daddy? You want to see your baby?”

Spike was at a loss for words. Like a mute idiot, he simply nodded his head vigorously.

“Alright, just let me step right outside the door and get the machine. It’ll take a minute to warm up, but then we can have a look at Baby.” The doctor got up from his seat and left the room.

“Have you seen the baby before?” Spike asked once he found his voice.

“Only once at my last appointment.”

Spike felt a pain of guilt run through him. He should have been there to share seeing their baby for the first time. If truth be told, he should have been there for everything. Looking at her with sad eyes, he whispered, “I’m so sorry love. I should have been there with you, I hate that you have had to do all this alone.”

Buffy cupped his cheeks in her hands. “Don’t be sorry Spike. The important thing is that you’re here now. That’s all that matters to me.”

Just as Spike was about to say something Dr. Colbert came back into the room with the ultrasound machine. “Alright Mom and Dad, are we ready to see the baby?” When both blondes nodded, he joined them at the bedside. Lifting Buffy’s gown he squeezed a generous amount of lubricant over her stomach.

Buffy felt goose bumps raise all over her body. Dr. Colbert gave her an apologetic smile and placed the wand in the center of her abdomen. A loud whooshing sound filled the room.

Spike looked at the doctor with wide eyes, “What the bloody hell is that?”

Dr. Colbert chuckled, “That William is the baby’s heartbeat.” Spike looked at him confused. “But it’s so fast, is that normal?”

“I assure you that’s completely normal for this gestation.” Flipping the monitor on, he continued, “Now let’s see if we can get a good look at the baby.” He rolled the wand over her stomach trying to find a position where they could get a good view. Finding one, he froze the frame on the monitor. Using the curser, he pointed out different body parts. “There we have an arm and over here we have a leg and a foot.”

Buffy held a tight grip on Spike’s hand as they watched their baby on the monitor. This was the best moment of her life. Seeing the look on his face as he saw their baby for the first time was indescribable. She felt fresh tears burn her eyes as she leaned her cheek against his chest.

Spike was absolutely amazed. There was his baby all squirming around. It amazed him that something so small was one day going to be placed in his arms. That thought alone brought tears to his eyes. When he felt Buffy rest her head on his chest he lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Can you believe it Buffy, that’s our baby.”

Buffy looked up into his teary blue eyes. “It’s amazing isn’t. We made that, you and me. It’s an absolute miracle.” Love overwhelming her, she pulled his head down and placed the sweetest kiss on his lips.

Dr. Colbert smiled at the young couple and asked, “Do you want to know the sex of the baby?”

Buffy and Spike looked at one another and knew exactly what the other was thinking. Buffy turned to Dr. Colbert and told him matter of factly, “No, we want to be surprised. We’ve waited this long, I think we can wait a few more months.” The doctor nodded his head and shut off the monitor. “Well I have a few more rounds to make, so I need to be going.” Turning to look at Spike he continued, “It was a pleasure to meet you William. I want you to promise me you’ll take extra good care of Buffy. Make sure she doesn’t over do it too much.”

Spike gave him a determined look. “Will do Doc.” Saying their goodbyes Dr. Colbert left. Spike pulled Buffy in a tight embrace. “I can’t believe I just got to see my baby,” he said with awe in his voice.

Buffy snuggled into his arms. “Spike I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t ever want to be away from you again. Promise me you’ll never leave me.”

Spike pulled her back so she could see the sincerity in his eyes. “I swear to you, I will never leave you ever again.” He leaned in and placed a kiss to her lips and then gave her a smirk. “You’re gonna have to beat me off with a bloody stick by the time it’s all said and done with luv.”

Buffy looked at him with a mischievous look. “Just remember, you gave me permission to do it.”

Spike’s face fell serious, “Come home with me.” It was a statement, not a question.

Buffy’s eyes went wide, “What?”

“Come home with me,” he repeated as he punctuated his words more.

“Spike how can I do that? I don’t know if I’m ready to move back to my Mom’s just yet. We may be on somewhat of speaking terms, but I haven’t totally forgiven her for keeping us apart,” she said skeptically.

“I know you and your Mum have a lot to work out still, but I can’t be away from you anymore. I don’t care what I have to do, I’m bringing you home with me Buffy,” he told her resolutely.

Buffy let out a sigh, “Spike I would love to come back to Sunnydale, I just don’t know how that can happen right now.”

Spike could see that he was going to have to do some major convincing. “What if we got a place of our own? Then would you come back to Sunnydale.”

Buffy was taken back by his request. Move in together? That was a huge step. What if it didn’t work out? What if he moved in with her and changed his mind? Sure he said he loved her, but he had never had to share a bathroom with her. Looking at him with fear evident in her eyes she whispered, “What if it doesn’t work out?”

Spike looked at her like she was crazy. “Buffy I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. There isn’t one thing about you that I don’t absolutely adore. What do I have to do to show you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you?”

Buffy still felt a little skeptical. “Spike what about when I leave the cap off the toothpaste or if I use your razor to shave my legs. How about if after the baby I look like a beached whale; will you still want to live with me then?” she asked questioningly.

Spike couldn’t help but laugh at her tirade. “You silly bint, of course I will. I want you no matter what.”

Buffy looked at him with hope filled eyes. “Are you sure?”

Spike was going to show her once and for all how much he wanted to be with her. Getting up from the bed, he walked across the room and picked up his duster. After plundering in the deep pocket, he found what he was looking for and returned to stand next to the bed.

Buffy looked at him confused. ‘What the hell is he doing? I ask him if he’s sure, and he gets up and goes to his duster. I swear to God if he light’s up a cigarette, I will get out of this bed and personally kick his ass.’ Buffy thought to herself as she watched him carefully. When he stopped next to the bed she looked up at him expectantly.

Spike suddenly felt very nervous. His hands were starting to sweat and his knees felt like wet noodles. Taking a deep cleansing breath he said to himself, ‘Okay mate, it’s now or never,’ he pulled out the small velvet box that held his mother’s ring and opened it. Getting down on one knee, he looked deep in her amazingly green eyes and asked, “Buffy, will you marry me?”


TBC



Big thanks to Brittany, Seraiza, Alison, Kattie, shelly, blondiebear, Becky, spufette, spikester0889, gypsy_jin, Lacey, Emmie, KImber, spikes_niblet, stace, Sevvy_O, BuffyandSpikeForever, and apparently both Mac's (how weird is that!) for the reviews. Please keep'm comin'! Kuddos Guys!

Buffy stared at Spike wide-eyed and slack jawed. She opened and closed her mouth like a guppy trying to make words come out, but the only things that did were small breaths of air.

Spike began to feel panic run through him. He had just asked her to marry him and she sat there looking like a fish out of water. Standing up, he sat next to her on the bed. “Buffy luv, say something.”

Hearing her name seemed to snap her out of her stupor. “Spike I don’t know what to say,” she said breathily.

Spike let a smile grace his beautiful face. “Say yes. Say yes and make me the happiest person alive.” His voice was beginning to tighten with tears.

Buffy looked deep into his cerulean blue eyes trying to read the emotions behind them. What she found made her heart swell. She saw pure love staring back at her. Tears of happiness filled her eyes. The man she had wanted for so long now wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Giving him a watery smile, she let her answer float off her lips in a breathy whisper, “Yes.”

Spike felt like he might explode from anticipation. It felt like time was standing still while he awaited her answer , then he saw a teary smile grace her beautiful mouth and then the sweetest word he had ever heard in all his life greeted his ears ‘Yes’. Without warning, he lunged in and plundered her mouth with his in the most passionate kiss either of them had ever experienced in their life.

Buffy felt her body singing from the intensity of their mind-blowing kiss. When air became an issue she reluctantly pulled away, but he barley gave her a chance to recuperate before he was slamming her with another. They kissed and nipped at each other’s mouths conveying all their feelings for one another. When the kisses started to turn more languid, the opening of the door interrupted them.

Joyce and Giles stood outside Buffy’s room, their arms laden with balloons and flowers, and knocked lightly. When no one replied, they assumed they must still be asleep and decided to just walk in.

Buffy and Spike pulled away and turned to see their parents standing there with embarrassed looks on their faces. Buffy let out an exasperated sigh, “What is it with people and not knocking around here?”

Giles removed his glasses and began to polish them. “Well, we did knock, but no one answered. We assumed you must be still asleep.” Replacing his glasses, he finished with a blush to his cheeks. “But I see we were clearly mistaken. I do apologize.”

Buffy smiled. “Well I guess I’ll let it slide this time since you come bearing gifts.”

Both parents walked over to the bed and greeted the children with hugs before placing the gifts on the windowsill.

Spike noticed that in his haste to ravage his girl, he never placed the ring on her finger. So, while his dad and Joyce had their backs turned, he removed it from the box and slipped it on her finger. When Buffy snapped her eyes to him, he simply winked at her and placed a chaste kiss to her lips.

Buffy felt a cool band slide over her slender ring finger. She had totally forgotten all about the ring due to the fact she was swept away by mind numbing kisses. She stared down at her hand adoringly. The ring was absolutely stunning. It had three stone, the middle stone was 1 ½ carat flawless round-cut diamond and the two stones that sat on either side of it were ¾ carat each. The band was 18 kt gold with a platinum setting and it fit her finger perfectly, like it had been made just for her. Looking back up at Spike, she couldn’t hide the excitement radiating from her smile. Then out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her mom and Giles staring at them.

Joyce walked back to the foot of her daughter’s bed and was almost blinded by the reflection of the ring that now seemed to adorn her daughter’s very important finger of her left hand. Unable to process words, she just stood there wide-eyed. Giles too noticed a blinding sparkle on Buffy’s ring finger and stood just as stunned as Joyce.

Buffy slowly turned to face the dumbstruck parents and stated matter of factly, “Mom, Giles, Spike and I are getting married. Now before you say anything, I want you to know this is not up for discussion. You two have done enough as it is, so you have NO say so in this. Understood?” Spike chimed in, “Buffy’s right. You two have bollixed things up with us enough, now it’s our turn to call the shots. We are both adults for the most part and we can decide what is best for us. So if you two have something to say, well then sod you both,” he told them flatly.

Joyce took that time to say something, “Yes, you two are right. Rupert and I have no business saying what is right for you, but my only concern is what you plan to do about the future. You both only have high school diplomas. You have no jobs or a place to raise your baby,” Joyce simply questioned concernedly.

Spike was the first to say something. “Joyce I know you’re concerned about our futures, that’s why you did all this in the first place, I see that now. But the fact of the matter is, it only made things worse. If it’s finances you’re concerned with, Buffy will be well taken care of I assure you that, and I plan on going to school still this fall, just married is all. People do it all the time, so it’s not a big deal. I love your daughter with every fiber of my being. I know without a shadow of a doubt she’s who I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with.”

Buffy gazed at him with watery eyes while he spoke. She realized the man next to her would hang the moon in her window if she asked him to; her emotions were on the brink of total overload. She had never felt this happy or this loved in her life and it was all because of him.

Giles hadn’t said a word the whole time. He kept his face impassive and waited for the right moment to say what he needed to say. When everyone fell silent, Giles spoke up, “I was unaware that your grandmother had given you your mother’s ring, but I can’t think of anyone I would rather have it than Buffy. You two have my complete blessing. If there’s anything I can do to help matters, please don’t hesitate.” He smiled at his son and future daughter-n-law with unshed tears in his eyes. He had once made the mistake of coming between them and it was a mistake he never planned on making again.

Spike got up and wrapped his father in a firm embrace. “Thank you Da’, you have no idea what this means to me,” he whispered in his father’s ear as tears rolled down his chiseled cheeks. Pulling away, he looked at Joyce expectantly.

Joyce looked Spike in the eyes and told him with love, “Welcome to the family.”

Spike was so overwhelmed he grabbed Joyce in a loving embrace and let tears of joy flow freely. He was surprised to say the least by her acceptance. He pulled away and wiped his eyes furiously turning to Buffy. She gazed at him with tears falling down her cheeks and a smile from ear to ear. There weren’t words to describe how happy she was, knowing that everything was going to be the way it should be. Her and Spike together at last.

They all went to Buffy’s bedside and exchanged warm hugs and words of congratulations. For that moment, all was forgotten. They all knew once the emotions had run dry they all had a lot to work through, but for now no one seemed to care.


TBC


Thanks to gypsy_jin, Sevvy_O, Becky, Brittany, stace, Alison, blondiebear, baby spikes, opal, shelly, spuffette, Lacey, Kimber, and Blazing Fire for the reviews! I love you guys! Kuddos!

One Month later

Buffy stood gazing at her reflection in the floor-length mirror in her bedroom of her mother’s house. She and Spike had both decided to go ahead and get married before the baby was born that way they could be a real family when the baby arrived. So there she stood in her spaghetti strapped crème colored silk dress that Spike had let her special order as his weeding present to her. The dress was absolutely amazing. It was simple yet elegant. The soft silk material flowed over her now filled-out curves to her feet and the neckline plunged slightly to show off her now way more than ample cleavage. Her hair was left to fall in soft waves down her back and was pulled up on one side with a flower pin that was the same material as her dress. She went with natural looking makeup and just accentuated her eyes to make them look bigger. She couldn’t help but smile at herself. This was the happiest day of her life. She was finally going to get her happily ever after. Buffy was so wrapped up in her bliss she never heard her mother come in.

Joyce stood there with tears in her eyes as she watched her daughter from the doorway. She looked like an angel. She thanked anyone and everyone in the heavens above for letting her get to see her baby get married. Buffy had reluctantly moved back home with her after leaving the hospital so she could be closer to William. They still had a lot to work through, but they were definitely taking steps in the right direction. Wiping a tear from her cheek, she walked up behind her daughter and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Buffy you look absolutely radiant.”

Buffy turned around, looked at her mother with her tear-filled eyes, and smiled. “Thanks Mom.” Buffy felt her own tears surface as she continued, “I know it hasn’t been exactly smooth sailing since I moved back from LA, but I think things are starting to move in the right direction as far as you and I are concerned. You have supported Spike and I in our decision to get married now instead of waiting till after the baby’s born and even gone out of your way to help plan the wedding, so I just wanted to say thank you and that I love you.”

Joyce was overwhelmed by her daughter’s declaration. She had dreamed of the day when she would hear those three simple words come from her daughter’s lips to her ears again. Taking her in a warm embrace, she whispered in her ear, “I love you too sweetheart. I just want you to be happy and if this is what makes you happy, I’m behind you 100 percent.”

Buffy pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes, careful not to smudge her mascara. Straightening out her dress, she looked up at her mother. “Is Giles her yet with the limo?”

Joyce had been so overwhelmed by the site of her daughter; she had completely forgotten why she had come to her daughter’s room in the first place. “Oh, yes. He’s downstairs waiting for you, so we better get a move on.”

Buffy gave her mother a playful smile. “What, its not like they can start the wedding without me.” Joyce just shook her head and they made their way downstairs.

Giles stood pacing in the foyer wondering what was taking so long. Joyce had said Buffy was ready, yet they had been up there for over 20 minutes. Just as he was about to bellow up the stairs Buffy and Joyce sauntered down them. The site before him left him completely awe stricken and speechless. Buffy looked like an angel floating down from heaven. She was absolutely breathtaking.

Buffy watched the expression on Giles’ face as she descended down the stairs. He looked just like Spike did the first time he felt the baby kick for him. Standing before him, she gazed up at him and questioned, “How do I look?”

Giles shook himself of his stupor and smiled down at his soon to be daughter-n-law. “Buffy you look absolutely…..” his words trailed off as he tried to find the best word to describe her. Finding the perfect word, he whispered out, “effulgent”.

Buffy gave him a watery smile and wrapped him in a warm embrace. “Thank you Giles.” Her words were whisper soft.

Felling his emotions getting the better of him he pulled away and offered her his arm. “Shall we? William is coming by with Xander to pick up your mother, so I don’t want you to still be here when they show, what with bad luck and all.”

Buffy nodded eagerly. “I’m sure Willow is about to climb the walls soon if we don’t hurry up and get her,” Buffy added as she let Giles escort her to the limo waiting for them out front. Turning around she waved goodbye to her mother one last time and slid into the vehicle to make her way to her wedding.


Spike stood in his bedroom fighting with his tie, his hands were shaking so badly he couldn’t get the knot straight. Letting out a growl of frustration he looked over to his best man, Xander. “Do you think you can maybe come over here and tie this bloody thing instead of watching me with that shit eatin’ grin on your face?” he questioned sarcastically.

Xander knew his best friend must be nervous if he was asking another guy to help him with his tie. Unable to resist he walked over with his hands on his hips and said in his best feminine voice, “I swear dear you just can’t do anything for yourself,” as he adjusted his best friend’s tie.

Spike glared at him. “Listen whelp, just ‘cause I’m gettin’ married today doesn’t mean I won’t thoroughly kick your nancy boy ass!”

Xander threw up his hands in surrender. “Hey just trying to lighten the mood a bit.” Taking on a more serious tone, he asked, “Are you nervous?”

Spike looked at his friend and smiled. “Not a bit, I’m just so damn excited that I feel like I might explode if I don’t see her soon.”

Xander gave him a sly smile. “Save that for the honeymoon buddy. I don’t think a big ol’ nasty stain on the front of your new suit would go over well with the soon to be misses.”

Spike rolled his eyes at him, but he had to laugh because he had totally walked right into that one. Looking in the mirror one last time, he nodded his head in approval and turned back to Xander. “What do ya think? Do I look ready to go marry the girl of my dreams?”

Xander stood back and put a finger to his lip like he was in deep thought. When Spike growled at him he decided now would be the time to speak up. “Well aside from the pink tie, you are definitely the man for the job.”

Spike looked down at the blush colored tie and smiled. He and Buffy had a little squabble at the formal wear shop on him wearing what he called ‘the ponceiest bloody tie known to man’, but Buffy had assured him that he was manly enough to pull it off and if he did wear it, she would reward him by wearing nothing but said tie for him later on. So, he bought the tie no questions asked and grabbed one for Xander as well. He’d be damned if he was gonna look like a fruit all by himself.

Spike looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Listen mate, you’re one to talk,” he said as he pointed to the identical tie hanging from his best man’s neck.

Xander puffed out his chest. “Well I at least can pull it off without looking like one of those guys that walk the catwalk in those fruity run way show thingies.”

Spike let out a chuckle and raised his eyebrow further. “And you know about this how exactly.”

Xander looked at him and got as flustered as a wet hen. Punching him in his arm he grumbled, “Let’s just go get Joyce and get your ass to the wedding already.”

Spike let out a huge belly laugh and slapped his friend on the back. “Well mate, you know I always did wonder about you.” Xander glared at him and pushed him out the door so they could go pick up Joyce.


Giles and Buffy rode in silence till Buffy had something to say. Turning to Giles, she gave him a warm smile. “Giles you have no idea how much it means to me to have you give me away, I mean my own dad didn’t even have the decency to show up.” She stared down at her lap for a minute and then continued, “So I just want to say I love you and I couldn’t have asked for a better father-n-law than the one I’m getting today.”

Giles was blown away. The young girl he had thought of as his own daughter all these years had said the most beautiful heartfelt words he had ever heard. Letting the tears fall from his eyes, he took her hands in his, brought them to his lips, and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Buffy that was the sweetest thing you could have said to me. You have always been like a daughter to me and now I’ll have the privilege of sharing my last name with you. I can’t think of anything in this world that can make me happier than you marrying my son today. I so wish Lily was here to see this. She would have truly adored you.” Giles said through his tears.

Buffy removed one of her hands and wiped at her now fallen tears. She had never met Spike’s mom because she had died from cancer before they moved to Sunnydale, but she had seen pictures and she was one of the most breath-taking women Buffy had ever seen. Squeezing Giles’ hand she said. “She is with us. She’s looking down and smiling on us right now.”

Giles closed his eyes and pictured his late wife smiling at him adoringly. It warmed his heart to know that Lily was indeed going to be apart of their son’s special day. Opening his eyes, he gazed at Buffy. “Thank you for reminding me that she’s still apart of us, you are truly an amazing girl Buffy Anne Summers and it will be an honor to call you my daughter-n-law.”

Buffy leaned over and gave him a hug as she whispered in his ear, “I love you Giles.”

Giles felt his heart swell and replied, “I love you too dear.”

When they felt the car pull to a stop, they pulled apart and slipped out of the car to get Willow. Once they were all securely in, they made their way to the beach where Buffy’s soon to be husband awaited.


TBC



Thanks to Alison, gypsy_jin, Becky, stace, Brittany, Kimber, Lacey, Pam, BuffyandSpikeForever, and Sevvy_O for all the lovely reviews. You guys are the best! Kuddos!

Spike, Xander and Joyce pulled up in the parking lot of the private beach that they had reserved for the special day. Getting out, Spike looked over the wedding site. There were a few chairs lined with blush colored ribbon and roses facing a white picket archway that was decorated in the same blush roses and gardenias. A long white silk runner went from the edge of the boardwalk to meet the archway. The sun would be setting behind them to give it the romantic feel they were looking for. It was exactly the way Buffy had described it.

Joyce walked up to Spike and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You ready?”

Spike turned and looked her in the eyes. “I’ve never been more ready in my whole entire life,” he said with all the love he felt coursing through his veins.

Joyce gave him a watery smile and squeezed his shoulder affectionately. She had been so wrong to ever think keeping Buffy away from William was the right thing to do. She felt so much guilt for what she had put these poor children through that she was going to do everything in her power to make it up to them.

Spike looked over his shoulder at Xander. “Hey Xan, do you think you can give us a minute.” Xander nodded his head and headed towards the beach. Spike turned and looked at a teary-eyed Joyce. “Joyce I just want to tell you how much this means to me. I know things started out all wrong, but the end result is what matters. You giving me your blessing to marry your daughter is more than I could have ever hoped for, so thanks,” he said with all the sincerity in his heart.

Joyce wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled brightly. “William you have grown up to become an amazing man. My daughter is blessed to have someone who loves her as much as you do. After everything you two have been through because of me, you can still stand here and thank me for something I should have done a long time ago. That William is what being a man is all about. You have no idea how much I love you for making my daughter the happiest girl on earth.”

Spike blushed and looked away at her confession. He had always known that before all this happened Joyce thought very highly of him, but for her to admit that she loved him caused his heart to swell. Looking back at her, he gave her a crooked smile and held out his arm to escort her down the beach.

When Buffy, Giles and Willow arrived at the beach, Buffy felt butterflies fluttering like crazy in her stomach, and then to top it off the baby decided to start doing water aerobics at the same time. They exited the limo and straightened out their clothes. Willow gave Buffy a tight hug and told her she was going to head down and announce that she was there so they could get things under way. Buffy turned to Giles with a huge smile on her face. “Well this is it!”

Giles extended his arm and started to walk towards the boardwalk as he replied, “That it is my dear.”

Willow rushed down to meet Xander at the bottom of the steps. “Hey sweetie, Buffy and Giles are here so we can get started.”

Xander looked at his girlfriend and smiled, “Do you have any idea of how incredible you look right now?”

Willow blushed and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “You don’t look so bad yourself, and I have to say, love the tie,” she said as she giggled and used his tie to pull him in for another kiss.

Xander pulled away and gave his girlfriend a sly smile. “If that’s the treatment I’m gonna get, I’m gonna wear ties more often.”

Willow rolled her eyes playfully. “Come on Don Juan, let’s get this wedding started.” They signaled to the Minister that everything was ready and the string quartette began to play Bach’s Canon in D minor as she and Xander slowly began to walk arm in arm down the aisle.

Buffy and Giles stood at the edge of the boardwalk waiting for their cue. When they heard the soft sound of music begin, they both looked at each other. Giles squeezed her hand affectionately and smiled. “Well, that’s are cue.” Buffy nodded and they approached the silk runner.

Spike stood up front with the Minister and waited impatiently for Buffy to approach the runner. When the sound of the wedding march began, he finally caught site of his bride and his mouth went dry. She was beyond the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her soft dress flowed over her curves as she floated down the aisle on his father’s arm. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he smiled at her as she approached.

Buffy took one look at Spike standing there in his expensive tailored suit and gasped. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen, and he was all hers. Emotions taking over, her eyes began to well up with tears. Reaching the archway, she turned to Giles and gave him a watery smile as he placed a kiss to her cheek. Giles removed her hand from the crook of his arm and placed her hand in Spike’s. Watching his son take her hands in his with love filled eyes; he stood and waited for the Minister to speak.

“Who gives this woman to be married in this lawfully wedded union?”

Giles looked over his shoulder briefly to look at the teary-eyed mother of the bride and replied, “Her Mother and I do.” With that being said, he went to stand next to Joyce and let the minister proceed.

“You may all be seated. We are gathered here today in the union….”

Buffy and Spike stood there gazing at each other. Everything around them had melted away as soon as their hands met. The feelings they held for one another were being communicated through the intense gaze they shared. Nothing on earth could ruin this moment.

As the Minister continued to speak, Spike squeezed her hand and mouthed, ‘I love you’.

Buffy felt her heart swell at his admission, he had told her I love you before, but at that very moment those words held more meaning than ever. As fresh tears began to swim in her eyes, she mouthed back ‘I love you too’. When she heard the Minister address her, she broke her eyes from Spike’s intense gaze and brought her attention back to the ceremony.

“Do you Buffy Anne Summers take William Randall Giles as your lawfully wedded husband forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?”

Buffy turned back to Spike and said in a tear tight voice, “I do.”

“And do you William Randall Giles take Buffy Anne Summers as your lawfully wedded wife forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?”

Spike gave her a crooked smile and replied in a voice deep with love, “I do.”

They both squeezed the other’s hands in a secret telling of their love. The Minister continued and took Spike’s ring from Willow. Handing it to Buffy, he asked her to repeat after him as she placed Spike’s ring on his finger.

“I Buffy Anne Summers” “I Buffy Anne Summers”

“Take thee William Randall Giles as my lawfully wedded husband” “Take thee William Randall Giles as my lawfully wedded husband “

“To have and to hold in sickness and in health” “To have and to hold in sickness and health”

“For richer or poorer for as long as we both shall live Amen” Buffy stared deep into his eyes as she slipped the ring on his finger and said the last of her vows. “For richer or poorer for as long as we both shall live Amen”

The Minister took Buffy’s ring from Xander, handed it to Spike and asked him to repeat after him as he placed the ring on Buffy’s finger.


”I William Randall Giles” “I William Randall Giles”

“Take thee Buffy Anne Summers as my lawfully wedded wife” “Take thee Buffy Anne Summers as my lawfully wedded wife.”

“To have and to hold in sickness and in health” “To have and to hold in sickness and in health”

“For richer or poorer for as long as we both shall live Amen” Spike took a ragged breath trying to fight back the tears as he finished his vows. “For richer or poorer for as long as we both shall live Amen” They stared into each other’s eyes and all they saw was each other.

The Minister wrapped things up and said, “By the power vested in me by the wonderful state of California, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Spike heard those words and pulled Buffy to him in a passionate kiss. The second their lips met, they both felt warmth run through their bodies. The moment they had both been waiting for had now come true. They were now Mr. and Mrs. William Randall Giles.

When they finally broke apart, everyone was wiping at their tears of joy and clapping frantically. Buffy and Spike smiled brightly at their guests as they made their way down the aisle as the quartette played and the guest threw rose petals at them. Everyone came over to greet the happy couple that was standing a few yards from the chairs. Buffy and Spike gave thanks to everyone for coming and sharing their day with them and informed them that they would be to the reception as soon as they finished with their wedding photos.

Once the photographer took the last of his film, Buffy and Spike went to the limo that was to take them to Joyce’s gallery where the reception was to be held. Before getting in, Spike picked Buffy up around her waist and twirled her around. Placing her back on the ground, he captured her mouth in a searing kiss. When they both needed air, they reluctantly pulled away and gazed into each other’s eyes adoringly. Spike brushed his hand over her cheek as he said, “Come Mrs. Giles, we have a reception to go to.”


TBC


thanks to Becky, shelly, stace, Lacey, Lily, Sevvy_O, Brittany, BuffyandSpikeForever, and Kimber for the lovely reviews! So doing the snoopy dance over here! Kuddos!

A/N The song is 'At Last' by Etta James. If you have never heard it I recommend you do. It is the prettiest song ever and it fit this story perfectly. Alright, on to the spuffyness!


The limo pulled up to the gallery and the newly wedded couple reluctantly disentangled themselves from one another. The driver opened their door and Spike and Buffy slipped out and made their way in the door hand in hand. They both stopped in their tracks as they took in the site before them. The large spacious room had been transformed into an intimate setting with a few tables and chairs scattered around the room. There was a DJ set up in the far corner of the room and the middle of the room was left open for dancing. There was a long table set up for the bridal party on the far wall were all the guests could see them. The place looked absolutely amazing.

Everyone stood together awaiting the happy couple. When they walked in the door, they all clapped and waited them to take their seats. Once Buffy and Spike were seated, everyone took their places and Joyce made a small speech.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming here and sharing this very special occasion with Buffy and William. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see my daughter with such a wonderful young man. This day has been long overdue.” She turned to her daughter and new son-n-law and gave them a watery smile. Feeling her emotions trying to get the better of her, she turned her attention back to the guests. “Well enough of me being sappy. Let the dinner begin.”

The waiters took that as their cue and began to serve the plates of food that had been prepared in the back room. Everyone ate their dinner while conversation and soft music played throughout the room. Once dinner was finished and all the plates had been cleared away, the DJ made the announcement for the couple’s first dance.

Spike rose from his seat and offered his bride his hand. Buffy smiled affectionately and slipped her small hand in his. Spike led her to the middle of the room as the soft sound of ‘At Last’ by Etta James filtered through the room. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close and they began to sway to music.

“At last,
My love as come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Oh yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you”

Spike looked at Buffy adoringly as the music played and everything else faded away. Leaning in, he placed a soft kiss to her lips thinking of the night it all started with just a simple kiss.

Buffy felt the words mind, body and soul, the words spoke so true. Her love had finally come along. She laid her head on his chest as he placed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I found a dream
That I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill
To press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known”

They continued to sway to the music just relishing the feel of the other’s arms wrapped lovingly around the other.

“Oh yeah,
And you smiled
You smiled
And then the spell was cast
And here we are
In heaven”

Spike looked deep in her emerald green eyes conveying all the love he felt for her as he sang the last words of the song to her.

“For you are mine…At last”

As the music began to fade, his eyes filled with tears and he whispered softly, “I love you Buffy Anne Giles.”

Buffy felt her eyes well with tears as he sang to her. The words fit perfectly, for she was his at last. As he whispered, ‘I love you’ she smiled at him through her tears and replied “I love you too” and placed her hand on the back of his neck to bring him in for a kiss.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Joyce looked over at Rupert and grabbed his hand. “Rupert I don’t think I have ever seen two people that love each other more than our two children.”

Giles squeezed her hand. “Quite right you are Joyce. Right now when I look at William all I can see is Lily. She was so full of love,” he told her as his eyes began to tear up.

While Buffy and Spike stood in the middle of the room lost in one another the DJ switched over to another slow song and other couples joined in. Xander and Willow, Lindsey and Faith, and Joyce and Giles all began to sway softly to the music and let themselves enjoy the moment of pure bliss that filled the room.

The rest of the reception went off with out a hitch. There was laughing and bright conversation about the happy couple. Stating to wrap things up, they got ready to throw the bouquet. Joyce and Willow stood in the middle of the room as Buffy tossed the bouquet over her shoulders. The flowers went sailing into the air and landed right into Joyce’s arms. Joyce looked at the flowers in her hands and looked up at Buffy with wide eyes. Buffy raised an eyebrow at her and nodded her head towards Giles. Joyce’s face flushed deep red and Buffy let out a full belly laugh thinking to herself, ‘Yep, Mom is so crushing on Giles.’

Spike watched as Joyce caught the bouquet and an evil grin crossed his face as he thought ‘we’re gonna play this game a little differently this time’. Going over to Xander, he whispered his plan and then made his way to the middle of the room where Buffy was sitting in a chair waiting for him to come and remove her garter.

Buffy sat in her chair and watched as her new husband sauntered over to her like a panther stalking his pry. A chill ran through her body at the site. Once he reached her, he slowly knelt before her taking her delicate ankle in his hand. Slowly he skimmed his hand up her calf and to her thigh bringing the dress up with his touch.

Buffy felt tingles on every part of her skin that he touched and her breathing became labored with lust.

When her leg was fully exposed to the garter belt, he looked up at her with lust-filled eyes as he placed a chaste kiss right below the belt.

Buffy had to grab the side of her chair to keep from rising completely off of it. She could feel the familiar ache between her thighs that only Spike had ever caused. Gazing at him with pure lust, she licked her lips unconsciously.

When Spike saw her lust-driven look he felt a tightening in his tailored suit pants. He grabbed the garter with his teeth and slowly pulled it down her thigh till he got to her ankle where he reached down and removed it. He looked up at her and gave her a sexy smirk.

Buffy felt like she was going to come unglued. That was the sexiest thing she had ever experienced in her life, well aside from their first time that is. Buffy stared at Spike as he gave her his sexy smirk that she knew she couldn’t resist. Just as she was fixing to leap into his lap, she heard someone clear their throat and realized that everyone had watched the whole thing. Her cheeks flushed a scarlet red and she turned to look at the faces of her guests.

Faith and Lindsey both had knowing smirks on their faces that said ‘Just wait until you get to your hotel room’. Willow was bright red with embarrassment and Xander had a look on his face that said ‘Yeah Spike, you the man’, but it was the look on her mother’s and Giles’ face that made her want to crawl in a hole. They both had extremely uncomfortable looks on their faces and you could tell they were both thinking that this was a preview of what Spike had planned for this evening.

Turning back to Spike, she saw that he had his tongue curled behind his teeth and a grin on his face. He was feeling quite proud of himself. Buffy glared at him slightly as he looked back at her innocently and said “What?” Smacking him playfully on his arm, she said, “You know exactly what.”

Spike stood from his crouching position and pulled her from her chair. He leaned in and nuzzled her neck as he whispered in a husky voice, “Sorry Pet, but I just couldn’t help m’self with that gorgeous leg of yours so close. Had to sneak out and get a taste.”

Buffy felt chills run down her spine as his warm breath breezed across her neck. All the irritation she felt towards him went straight out the window.

When Spike felt he had been let off the hook, he pulled back and winked at her. Letting his bride go he turned and looked at Xander and gave him a nod. “Oi!” He called out to get everyone’s attention. When all eyes were on him, he continued, “Alright everyone now that you’ve gotten your free peep show how bout we see who gets the privilege of catchin’ my lady’s garter.”

Xander walked over to Giles and pulled him reluctantly in the middle of the floor. Giles mumbled something about being ‘too old for such things’ as he stood behind his son. Before Giles knew it, Spike spun around and shot the garter straight at him. On reflex, he stuck his hands out and caught it. Looking up he glared at his now laughing son. Twirling the garter in his finger he said sarcastically, “Ha bloody ha William.”

Spike got his composure and made an announcement. “Well we’re gonna do things a little different. Since my father caught the garter, it would be just plain pervy to let him place it on the bridesmaid.” He looked over at Willow whose face now matched her hair. Giving her a wink, he continued, “So instead we’re gonna have him place it on the lucky lady that caught the bouquet.”

Giles looked to Joyce and turned beet red. ‘How in the bloody hell am I supposed to place the garter on her very nice looking thigh?’ He felt his face burn even brighter at his thoughts.
He turned to his son and pleaded with his eyes to not make a fool of him.

Spike saw the desperation on his fathers face, and couldn’t help but smile at the thought of ‘pay backs a bitch now isn’t it’. Walking over to Joyce, he pulled her from her chair and placed her in the middle of the room then went to bring his father in front of her. He backed up slightly and smiled at them sweetly. “Now remember, the higher up you go the more luck you bring us, and I know both of you wan us to be lucky in love, don’t you?”

Giles looked at his son and glared at him for putting him in this very compromising position. Kneeling before Joyce, he gave her an apologetic smile and reached for her slender ankle.

Buffy couldn’t believe what Spike was doing. This went way above and beyond cruel, and she loved it. She couldn’t have planned this better herself. Crossing her arms across her chest, she watched expectantly as Giles reached for her mother’s ankle.

Giles took a deep steadying breath and slowly began to slip the guarder up her thigh. He looked her in the eyes so he would be able to gauge how far was far enough. As he reached the inside of her knee he saw her eyes get wide. Stopping instantly, he went to remove his hand when his son stopped him.

“Uh, uh, uh, you can do better than that. Keep going,” he said in a singsong voice.

Giles looked over at Spike and gave him a look that said, ‘Just you wait till I get a hold of you’. Looking back to Joyce, he was surprised when she smiled at him shyly and nodded for him to continue. Taking another deep breath, he slowly continued to slide the garter up her leg as he watched her face for his sign to stop.

Joyce looked at Giles and felt little tingles run up her leg. This was definitely something new for them. Sure they had always been close, but never THIS close. Trying to keep her breathing even, she continued to let his hand slide up her leg.

He had been so caught up staring into Joyce’s eyes he hadn’t realized how far up her thigh he had really gone until he felt where her thighs began to touch one another. Looking at her wide-eyed, he pulled his hand away, careful not to lift up her dress and stood to his feet. Offering Joyce his hand, he helped her to her feet and smiled at her shyly. Joyce flushed slightly and went back to her seat throwing Spike a ‘look’ on her way there.

Spike looked at a flustered Joyce and cracked a smile. Yep, that was sweet revenge. As his father walked past him, he leaned in to whisper, “Well son, you’ll be one lucky bastard.”

Spike backed up slightly, and looked at his father with unbelieving eyes. Giles gave his son a sly smirk and returned to his chair.

After all the bouquet and garter fun was over, Spike and Buffy decided they wanted to head out for their evening alone. Since Buffy couldn’t fly they decided to stay in a nice hotel in LA for the night and come back to Sunnydale the next evening.

Every one gathered outside the door and blew bubbles as the happy couple ran past them and jumped in the limo that would take them to their honeymoon suite at their hotel. Everyone waved goodbye as the limo drove down the street with a sign fixed to the back reading ‘Just Married’.



TBC

Thanks to Seraiza, BuffyandSpikeForever, gypsy_jin, baby spikes, blondiebear, Sevvy_O, lacey, stace, shelly, lily, Pam, and Brittany for the review, you guys are awsome! Kuddos!

Buffy fluttered her eyes open when she felt the vehicle pull to a stop. Groggily she looked up at Spike. “Hey, sorry I fell asleep, but all the excitement wore me out.” Buffy tried to stifle a yawn, but failed miserably.

Spike smiled down at the angel looking up at him. Placing a soft kiss to her lips, he reassured her. “Quite alright kitten; I want you to be well-rested.” His voice was smooth as silk and his eyes conveyed pure lust.

Buffy gave him a coy smile. “Due tell Mr. Giles, what do I need to be rested for?”

Spike curled his tongue behind his teeth and smirked at her. “An evening you will never forget Mrs. Giles, this I promise,” he told her in a husky tone.

Buffy felt chills run down her spine as his husky voice filled her ears. She was fixing to retort with a naughty comment when the driver opened the door for them to exit. Spike took her hand and ushered them out of the backseat. Spike handed the driver a considerable tip for his services, thanked him, and asked him to return for them tomorrow evening at six o’clock. Since this was a wedding gift from Giles, they were already checked in with their overnight bags in the room.

Spike placed Buffy’s hand in the crook of his arm and led her to the elevator. Once inside and the door was closed, he hastily pushed the button for their floor and attacked her mouth in a searing kiss.

Buffy was caught off guard by the sudden capture of her lips, but suddenly recovered and returned with equal fervor. They devoured one another till the chime signaled they had reached their floor. Pulling away gasping for much needed air, they exited the elevator and made their way to their deluxe honeymoon suite. Upon reaching the door, Spike pulled out his key card and slipped it in the door. Once it clicked, he opened the door, scooped Buffy in his arms, put out the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign and carried her over the threshold, kicking the door shut behind them.

Buffy let out an “eep” when she felt herself being lifted off the ground. Letting out a giggle, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to capture his lips in a kiss.

Spike carried her through the door never breaking the kiss. Reluctantly he pulled away so she could see the surprise he had set up for her.

When Buffy felt the loss of contact, she opened her eyes and jutted out her lip in a pout. In a whiney voice she asked, “What did you do that for?”

When he saw that lip poke out it took all he had not to say the hell with it all and take her straight to the bedroom. Wanting this to be special, he pushed down his urges and placed her on her feet. Turning her so she could take in the whole room, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “So you could see this.”

Buffy let out a gasp. The room was scattered with lit candles on every surface imaginable giving it a soft romantic glow. There was a trail of rose petals that led from the door to the bedroom and Buffy could now hear soft music playing in the background. It was the most romantic thing she had ever seen. Turning to face her husband, she asked in a hushed tone, “You did all this for me?” She couldn’t help the tears that began to well up in her eyes at the romantic gesture.

Spike cupped her cheeks in his hands and placed a feather light kiss to her lips. “All for you luv; I want it to be perfect. This is our first night together as husband and wife and I want it to be one you will never forget. I’ve pictured this moment since I first realized I loved you that night at your mum’s house all those months ago, but nothing could have prepared me for how it would actually make me feel to have you here with me right now.” He said with all the sincerity he held in his heart.

Buffy felt a hot tear roll down her cheek at his admission. Standing before her was the father of her unborn child and the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with. She couldn’t ask for more in life than this. Pulling his mouth down to hers, she expressed what she felt through her kiss. When the kiss began to deepen, she pulled away and looked into his now navy lust-filled eyes. “Make love to me William.” It was a statement not a question.

Spike felt his heart swell. There was nothing more in this world he wanted to do more than to take his bride and make love to her all night long. Taking hold of her hand, he ushered her to the bedroom. As they entered the room, they noticed the same treatment had been done to this room as had been done with the small living area. Unable to resist any longer he pulled Buffy to him and pressed a passionate kiss to her lovely mouth.

When Buffy felt the evidence of his arousal pressed against her stomach, she knew she couldn’t wait any longer. Pulling away, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away slightly. When he looked at her with his brow furrowed in confusion, she explained. “I have a small surprise for you too. Give me just a minute and I’ll be right back.” When he reluctantly agreed, she grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom.


Once the door shut, Spike removed his jacket and tie and laid them on the chair in the corner of the room. Going back to the bed, he started to take off his socks and shoes when he heard the door to the bathroom open. Throwing his things to the side he looked up at the doorway and his mouth went dry.

Buffy was standing with her arm raised above her head leaning on the doorway seductively. She was wearing a short spaghetti strapped white baby doll nightie and her hair was left loose down her back. With a sexy smile, she asked him, “Do you like?”

Spike was absolutely speechless. All the blood in his brain had run straight to his nether region leaving him unable to have a coherent thought. Standing from his spot on the bed, he walked toward her and nodded his head slowly.

Buffy felt a sense of womanly pride at the reaction she had evoked from him. She slowly began to walk towards him to meet him halfway.

When they met one another and stood mere inches away, they locked eyes in a seductive trance. Spike was the first to break the spell they seemed to be under. “Buffy luv, you look amazing.” He rasped out in a lust-filled voice as he let his eyes wander over her body drinking her in and committing it to memory.

Buffy smiled at him shyly. “Well I wanted to wear something nice for you. It’s not exactly easy to feel sexy when you’re seven months pregnant,” she told him playfully.

Spike met her eyes again and replied sincerely, “Luv you always look sexy to me and now even more so carrying my child. You’re the bloody most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” His voice was thick and caramel-rich.

Buffy felt a pool of moisture soak her panties at his words. Lust taking her over she reached up and slowly began to unbutton his shirt. When she reached the last button, she skimmed her hands up the expanse of his rock hard abs up to his chest. His muscles twitched under her ministrations. When she reached his firm shoulders, she pushed off his shirt leaving him exposed to her lust-filled gaze. Letting her eyes roam over his alabaster chest, she leaned in and flicked her tongue across one of his small pebble-like nipples earning her a soft groan.

When he felt her tongue flick his nipple he let his head fall back and groaned in pleasure. He felt his cock straining against his zipper painfully and couldn’t wait any longer. Without warning Spike reached down and picked her up by the backs of her thighs, wrapping her legs around him as he ground his erection firmly against her mound. He held her with one arm around her waist to hold her securely against him and used the other to pull her down in a passionate kiss.

Buffy was pulled from what she was doing by strong hands pulling her up by the backs of her thighs. Electricity shot through her body from the sensation of Spikes rock hard shaft rubbing against her engorged clit. Before she could make a second thought, she was being engulfed by an earth-shattering kiss. She moaned softly into his mouth as she was being swept away into what she now knew must be heaven.

Spike lead them towards the bed never breaking the kiss. When he felt his knees hit the edge of the bed, he laid her down gently and pulled back to look at his goddess lying before him. Her eyes were black with desire and her lips were swollen from kisses.

Buffy stared at the man before her. He looked like a god. Hs hard chest was heaving from their kiss and his eyes were mid-night blue. Feeling the loss of contact, she pulled him back down to her.

Careful not to smash her, he put his weight on his arms and kissed her languidly. Leaving her mouth, he trailed wet kisses down her cheek to her neck, nipping and licking at the spot were her ear met her neck.

Buffy felt like her whole body was on fire. Finding her voice she gasped out, “Ahh Spike I need you inside me.”

Spike smiled against her neck. “Not yet kitten, I want to taste you first.” His voice was full of want and desire. Retuning to her mouth he gave her one last searing kiss before he pulled away. “Lie down for me,” he demanded seductively.

Buffy scooted back on the bed and laid down as requested.

In a husky voice, he demanded, “Now spread those beautiful thighs for me.” Buffy let her legs fall open as if under some type of trance.

Spike licked his lips in anticipation. Sitting on his haunches between her thighs, he ran his hands up her body bringing the small gown with him. Wanting to see all of her, he pulled it up and over her head. She helped him by raising her arms above her head so he could slip off the soft material easier.

Locking eyes, Spike came in for a passionate kiss. He let his hand cup her supple breast and kneaded it softly. Buffy arched her back and moaned in pleasure.

Wanting to taste his kitten now, he left her mouth and slowly trailed open-mouthed wet kisses down her body. When he reached her no longer flat stomach, he looked up at her with loving eyes and placed feather light kisses all over her round abdomen. Buffy let out a small giggle and ran her fingers through his soft curls. Letting his gaze turn lustful, he continued down her body removing her now soaked panties and tossing them on the floor.

Scooting father down the bed, he nestled between her thighs. He kissed and licked at the soft skin on her inner thigh before slowly spreading her nether lips apart and darting his tongue out to flick her clit.

Buffy felt tingles all over her body as Spike made his way to the spot that needed his attention the most. Her body ached to feel his talented tongue lap at her dripping center. Just when she thought she would die from need, his tongue darted out and flicked her clit. A jolt of pleasure shot through her and caused her to moan out in pleasure and lift her bottom off the bed.

When Spike felt her bottom rise off the bed he grabbed her thighs and held her in place as he buried his face in her pussy and lapped greedily like a starved man.

Buffy began to thrash her head wildly and cry out in ecstasy. “Oh God Spike, YES YES YES!”

Removing his hands from her thighs, he spread her lips and licked slowly from the bottom of her slit to her pink nubbin. Looking at her with black eyes, he rasped, “God Buffy, you taste so good, I could eat you all night.”

Buffy stared down at the man between her thighs and replied, “God yes! Eat me Spike, please make me cum.” Spike felt like he might cum in his pants right then from her request.

Never one to be told twice, he slipped his tongue in her entrance and licked her inner walls as he thrust it in and out, letting his tongue make love to her. Feeling her muscles begin to contract around his tongue, he reached his hand up and tugged at the sensitive bundle of nerves to send her over the edge.

That was all it took to send her plummeting into ecstasy. Arching her back she cried out, “YES YES YES, SPIKE I’M CUMMING AGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Her body began to shake uncontrollably from her earth shattering orgasm that washed over her body. When the sensations became too much to bear, she pulled him up and smashed his mouth to hers tasting herself on his tongue.

When they both found they needed air, they pulled away panting heavily. Spike stared down at her and rasped out, “I want to make love to you Buffy.”

Buffy answered him by pulled him back down for another kiss as he positioned himself comfortably between her thighs.

Spike broke the kiss and looked at her with concerned eyes and asked, “I won’t hurt the baby will I?”

Buffy smiled at him and rubbed his cheek with the back of her hand. “No. It’s perfectly okay just as long as you don’t put too much pressure on my stomach,” she told him reassuringly

Knowing he wouldn’t hurt her, he smiled lovingly at her. Slipping off his pants, he tossed them to the floor. Positioning himself at her entrance, he slid inside her at an achingly slow pace. They both let out a soft moan as he fully sheathed himself in her hot center. Stilling his movements, he captured her lips in a deep kiss as she adjusted to him.

Buffy felt electricity shoot through her body as he kissed her breathlessly and filled her completely. She had never felt so loved as she did right now. Slowly, she began to thrust her hips upward seeking sweet release.

Not breaking the kiss, he slowly began to thrust in and out of her slick entrance in a steady rhythm.

Buffy felt the building of her orgasm deep in her womb and tore her mouth from his. “AHHH Spike YES! Don’t stop, don’t stop!” she cried out in ecstasy.

Spike could tell she was close, so picked up his rhythm and angled his hips to better hit her sweet spot.

The slight change in position sent her tumbling over the edge. “OHHHHH YESSSSS! SPIKE I’M CUMMING AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

Spike felt her inner muscles contract and flutter around his cock and it was all it took. “Oh luv, I’m fixin’ to come right now!” Feeling his sack tighten he squeezed is eyes shut and threw his head back as he exploded inside of her with a loud roar. “AHHHHH FUCK LUV, GRAHHHH!”

When her muscles milked every last drop, he rolled to the side and brought her with him, never pulling out of her. Placing a kiss to her damp forehead he whispered, “I love you so much” as he panted for air.

Buffy nuzzled into his chest and murmured, “I love you too.”

They both lay there in the afterglow of their lovemaking still joined intimately together. They peppered each other’s faces with kisses while whispering words of love and adoration.

Spike ran his fingers through her hair. “Buffy luv, I want to spend the rest of my life just like this; deep inside you, filling you always.”

Buffy pulled him down in a languid kiss. When the kiss became more demanding, she felt him begin to harden within her. Pulling back, she gave him a cheeky grin and rolled them so he was on his back. Straddling his hips, she wiggled against him and began to rock her hips slowly making love to him all over again.

For the rest of the night and well into the morning they made love. When both their bodies ached and begged for rest, they gave into sleep in each other’s arms as husband and wife.


TBC



Thanks to Sevvy_O, stace, Becky, spikegirl, LACEY, gypsy_jin, and Brittany for the reviews. Kuddos!

Two months later

Buffy stood in the bathroom putting the finishing touches on her makeup. They were going out with Willow and Xander that evening to celebrate their engagement. Buffy put away her makeup in the drawer and walked over to the closet to find something to wear. Her brow creased in a frown. Lately finding clothes always seemed like such a chore. She felt like she was going to pop any day now. It was only the first week in December, so she still had two weeks left, but her body protested otherwise. Picking through her things she finally settled on her favorite black wrap around maternity top and a white flirty skirt. Her feet were always swollen, so she found a cute pair of black flip-flops to complete her ensemble. Standing in front of the mirror, she inspected her outfit. With a frown marring her beautiful face, she just stared at herself.

Spike sat in the living room watching TV. Looking at his watch, he let out a sigh. They were going to be late for their reservations if Buffy didn’t get her ass in gear. Pulling himself off the couch, he went to their bedroom to see what the bloody hell was taking so long.

He walked in the room to see Buffy standing in front of the mirror with a frown on her face. Her bottom lip was jutted out in a small pout and she looked absolutely adorable. Walking up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her swollen middle as best he could and nuzzled her neck.

Buffy felt Spike’s arms wrap around her and snuggled into his embrace. Looking down at his hands that could no longer wrap around her waist, she let out a groan of disgust and wrenched herself out of his arms.

Spike looked at her confused when she pulled away from him. “Luv what’s wrong?”

Buffy let out a huff. “Look at me. I’m all fat and nasty. You can’t even wrap your arms around me anymore because I’m so huge,” she said with a whine.

Spike walked over to her and pulled her in his arms. “Luv you look absolutely amazing.” He told her as he placed a chaste kiss to her lips.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“Well yes luv, but it’s the truth. I have never seen you look more radiant in my life. You’re pregnant with my child. Nothing on earth can compare to that,” he said sincerely.

Buffy felt tears begin to prick her eyes. “Oh Spike, that is the sweetest thing you could have ever said to me.”

Spike placed a sweet kiss to her lips. “I love you, and you just have to remember that you won’t be pregnant forever. Now let’s get a move on before we’re late.”

Buffy wiped at her eyes and nodded her head. “Yeah, I don’t think Willow would be too happy if we’re late. She’s been dieing to show me her ring.”

Spike placed a kiss to her forehead. “Alright let’s get our coats and get going then.” As Spike walked out the room, she went to follow, but stopped when a small pain hit her suddenly. Not wanting to make a big deal about it, she took a cleansing breath and followed her husband out the door.

Willow and Xander sat at the bar waiting for their best friends impatiently. Xander looked at his watch and looked at the door. “They we’re supposed to be here ten minutes ago. I put good money on it that those two are goin’ at it like rabbits right now.” He said with aggravation evident in his voice.

Willow smiled at her new fiancé. “Sweetie, they’ll be here soon. They just weren’t as smart as us to get ready in time to give them ‘extra’ time before they had to leave.” She said as she raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Xander smiled at her goofily. He felt a tightening in his cargo pants at the thought of him and Willow not just thirty minutes ago having their ‘extra’ time together as she so eloquently put it. Adjusting himself, he smiled at her suggestively. “Well after dinner we can go home and have some more ‘extra’ time if you want.”

Willow blushed and was about to lean in for a kiss when she noticed the blond couple they had been waiting for walk in. With a bright smile, she waved her hand furiously and called them over. “Buffy, Spike over here,”

Buffy saw her friend flailing her hand in the air and pointed in her direction. “Sweetie, I think Willow and Xan are over there.”

Spike let out a chuckle. “What gave it away?” Hand in hand, they walked over to the bar and greeted their friends.

“Hey guys, sorry we’re late, but I was having another ‘I’m so fat and disgusting’ moment.” Buffy told them apologetically.

Xander hoped off his stool and hugged the very pregnant girl. “Buffster you are not disgusting. If I wasn’t commitment man I would be all over you,” he told her as he placed a kiss to her cheek, earning a smack from his fiancé.

Spike let out a growl. “Watch it mate. I can still kick your ass any day of the week,” he said warningly.

Buffy let out a laugh as she snaked an arm around her husband’s waist. “Isn’t he cute when he gets all possessive?”

Willow linked arms with Xander. “Yeah, well I’m not worried. I know Xander’s not going anywhere. See, I have the ring to prove it.” She said proudly as she stuck her left hand out for the blonde couple to admire.

Buffy dropped her arm from Spike, grabbed Willows hand and gasped. “Wills that is gorgeous! I am so excited for you; I can’t wait to start planning the wedding!” she chirped excitedly.

Spike leaned over and placed a kiss on Willows cheek. “Congratulations Red, I know you and the whelp here will be happy.”

Willow blushed profusely. “Thanks Spike, I know if we’re half as happy as you two are then we will be.”

Spike looked at Xander and gave him a sly grin. “Well mate, looks like you finally did it,” he said as he shook his hand. Pulling him close so only he could hear, he whispered, “I guess now we know you two won’t die virgins, yeah.”

Xander pulled back, his face red with embarrassment. “Shut up Spike,” he said indignantly.

Spike let out a full laugh. This got the attention of the two girls. In unison, they both said, “What’s so funny?”

Xander grabbed Willow’s hand and hastily lead her over to the hostess station as he said “Nothing at all.” Willow looked at him confused and he just simply muttered, “Don’t ask.”

Buffy put her hands on her hips. “Spike, what did you say?” she asked warningly

Spike looked at her full of innocence. “Nothing,” as he grabbed her hand and followed the other couple. Buffy gave him a look that said ‘you are so full of it’ and muttered “yeah right.”

Approaching Xander and Willow, they stopped and looked at them questioningly. “So when can we sit?” Buffy asked.

“Our table should be ready in a few.” Xander replied as he added, “Why don’t we head back over to the bar and get a drink while we wait.”

Everyone was in agreement, so they went to the bar to get their drinks. As Buffy walked over she felt a sharp pain in her side. There was that pain again, but the one earlier hadn’t been this strong. Trying not to panic, she took a deep breath and followed her husband and friends to the bar. She didn’t need to mention it to the others ‘cause it was nothing, right?

Spike noticed his wife looked a little flushed and voiced his concern. “Baby, are you alright? You look a little flushed.”

Buffy smiled at him. “I’m fine, really. I guess I’m just not used to carrying around all this extra weight is all.” She told him reassuringly, even though she was a little worried herself.

Spike leaned over and placed a kiss to her temple. “We can do this another night if you’re too tired luv.” He said with concern in his eyes.

Buffy shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine once we sit down.” This apparently appeased him because he nodded his head and turned to watch the game with Xander.

She was talking to Willow about the upcoming wedding when another sharp pain hit her hard. Wincing, she grabbed at her abdomen.

Willow looked at her with concerned eyes and asked “Buffy are you okay?”

Buffy looked up at her friend with wide eyes as a river flowed from between her thighs. In almost a whisper, she replied, “Oh God! I think my water just broke.”

Willow mirrored her look and gasped, “Are you sure?” Following Buffy’s gaze to the now soaked floor, there was no doubt about it, her water had broke.

Buffy calmly turned around, tapped her husband on the shoulder, and waited for him to turn around.

Spike was completely enthralled in the game. He absently responded to someone tapping his shoulder. “Yeah?”

Buffy took a deep breath and prepared herself for the inevitable freak out her husband was going to have. “Sweetie, my water just broke,” she told him calmly.

Being preoccupied with the game, he muttered back, “That’s okay luv, we’ll get you another one.”

Buffy let her jaw drop. What a complete moron. Smacking the back of his head, she glared at him.

Spike whipped around and rubbed the back of his head. “Bloody hell woman, what’d you do that for?”

Buffy gave him a menacing look. “You asshole! Not that kind of water, THIS kind of water.” She told him as she gestured to her swollen mid-section.

Spike’s eyes went wide with realization. “Oh Fuck! The baby! Oh god Buffy we need to get you to the hospital!” he said hysterically.


Buffy rolled her eyes and gave him a ‘duh’ look. “You think?”

Willow and Xander both stood there in shock. Spike snapped them both back by barking out orders. “Xander go get the car and pull it to the curb. Willow you call Joyce and tell her go to our house, grab Buffy’s bag and meet us at the hospital. I’ll walk Buffy out to wait for Xander.” When neither of them made an effort to move, he growled out “NOW!” Instantly they both sprang into action.

Turning to Buffy, he looked at her with apologetic eyes. “God Luv, I’m so sorry. I’m such a git for not understanding what you were talking about,” he said as he peppered kisses on her face.

Just as Spike was kissing her, another sharp pain shot through. Letting out a small groan she looked at him with determined eyes. “Spike right now I don’t care. Just hurry up and get me to the hospital. Okay?”

Seeing his wife in pain snapped him back to the task at hand and he slowly started walking her to the door to go wait for Xander. Just as they got outside, Xander pulled up with the car and Willow came running out the door. “I talked to Joyce and she’s meeting us there.” Willow said hurriedly as she helped Spike load Buffy in the back seat. Once both blondes were securely in, Willow got in the front seat and they made there way to Sunnydale General.



TBC



Thanks to gypsy_jin, Sevvy_O, lacey, Jess, lily, Brittany, BuffyandSpikeForever, Kimmy, stace, and kerry for the reviews. They mean the world to me! Kuddos!

Xander made it to Sunnydale General in record time. Something about someone from the backseat telling him to punch it the whole way might have had something to do with it.

Once the car came to a full stop, Spike opened the door and gingerly slid his very pregnant and very in labor wife out of the car. Willow seemed to be two steps ahead of him because once he turned around she had a wheelchair waiting to take Buffy in. Helping Buffy into the chair, he left Willow to wait for Xander and headed straight for the elevator and up to labor and delivery.

Buffy felt like every time a contraction hit that her insides were being pulled out. One time when she was at one of her appointments, she had asked the doctor what labor would be like. He had told her it would feel like menstrual cramps. She should have known better than to trust a man, because this made cramps feel like a day in the park. Feeling yet another bout of pain on the way she gritted her teeth and squeezed Spike’s hand. This time she was unable to hold back and let out an audible groan. “NAGH…… I HATE YOU SPIKE!” And at that moment she felt like she truly meant it.

Spike was standing next to her chair holding her hand. When he felt her small hand tighten around his he looked down to see his girl in a world of pain. It broke his heart to see her like that, but he just kept reminding himself that it would all be worth it in the end. But when he heard her almost growl out that she hated him, he knew she must be pretty bad off. Crouching down beside her, he stroked her cheek softly. “I know you don’t really mean that luv,” he told her reassuringly.

Buffy snapped her eyes to him and gave him a menacing glare. “You wanna bet?” Her voice sounded almost sadistic.

Spike stared at his wife with wide eyes. She had gone from his sweet angel to an all out demon. Hesitantly, he kissed her now damp brow. “Well no matter what I still love you.”

Buffy was about to snap another nasty comment at him when another contraction hit her. “OHHHHHH!” This time it hit hard and fast with no warning, but luckily it didn’t last as long as the one before. She looked up at her husband with pleading eyes. “Spike it hurts, make it stop.”

Spike felt tears sting his eyes. He felt totally helpless because there was absolutely nothing he could do. Placing another kiss to her brow, he spoke to her in a soothing tone. “Don’t you worry kitten, as soon as we get you up stairs I’ll see if they can get you some thing for the pain.”

Buffy nodded and took a few deep cleansing breaths. Finally the elevator chimed signaling they had reached their floor. Carefully, he pushed her out the door and to the front desk.

When Spike saw no one at the desk he beat on it furiously and yelled out, “Excuse me, my wife’s having a baby. Do you think I can get some help?”

A small brunette came around the corner and smiled. “Yes sir, my name’s Pam. I’m gonna need you to fill out these forms here while I take your wife on back to let one of the nurses have a look at her.” Her voice was calm and sweet, but was slowly grating on Spike’s nerves.

Resolutely he told her “I’m not leavin’ my wife.”

Buffy tugged his arm so he would come down to her level. Once he was right in front of her, she gave him a weak smile. “Sweetie I’ll be fine. I promise to make someone come get you as soon as the nurse is done.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the nurse from behind the desk piped in. “She’s right, as soon as Betty, the head nurse does her exam, I will personally come out here and bring you on back.”

Spike unwillingly agreed and handed the chair over to the newest person on his shit list, Pam. Stalking over to one of the chairs, he began to fill out the forms for Buffy. Half the crap he had no clue on, but fortunately Joyce, Willow, and Xander came out of the elevators at that moment. With a sigh of relief, he held out the papers to Joyce and asked with pleading eyes, “Do you think you could fill in the blanks, ‘cause I haven’t a buggering clue.”

Joyce gave her son-n-law a warm smile. “Of course William, where’s Buffy?”

Spike let his frustration come back. “Nurse took her back and made me stay here to fill out these sodding papers,” he growled out.

Joyce let out a chuckle. “Oh William, this is just the beginning.” Feeling for him, she leaned over and gave him a quick hug. He may act like he was confidant all the time, but she knew that when it came to her daughter he was anything but. Taking a seat, she finished filling out the forms so they would be ready to give to the nurse when she returned.

Spike paced impatiently in front of Willow and Xander. He could really go for a smoke about now. Reaching in his duster pocket, he pulled out the pack of gum that Buffy made sure was always there and popped two pieces in his mouth.

Willow watched her friend pace in front of her, chewing furiously. Feeling slightly dizzy from watching, she got up and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop his movements. “Hey Spike don’t worry, Buffy’s gonna be fine. Last I checked women did this sort of thing all the time,” she told him light heartedly.

Spike gave her a half smile. “Thanks Red. I’m just bloody anxious to get back to her, she needs me.”

Willow gave him a bright smile. Spike really could be a big softy sometimes, but she would never say that to his face ‘cause as far as he was concerned he was the ‘big, bad man’.

Just as Spike was starting to feel antsy again, Pam walked in the room waving him to come on back. Looking back at everyone one last time, he followed her to the room Buffy was in.

Walking in the door, he saw his wife hooked up to all sorts of machines and he could hear a very loud whooshing noise fill the room. Taking the chair next to her bed, he leaned over and placed a soft kiss to her lips. Brushing the damp hair from her face, he asked softly, “How you feeling luv?”

Buffy looked at him with happily dazed eyes. “Much better. Nurse Betty gave me something to dull the pain so I’m fellin’ pretty good right now.” Her words were slow and almost giddy.

Spike couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “Buffy you look like me after a good night of getting pissed. I’ll make sure to have the nurse put some of whatever you’re on in doggy bag for later.”

Buffy giggled softly. “Where is everyone?”

“Their all out in the waiting area; did you want me to go get them?”

As if on cue, the door opened and Joyce’s head popped in. “Hey sweetie! Would it be okay if we come in and visit for awhile?” Joyce had a huge smile on her face at the thought of her first grandbaby being here soon.

Buffy gave her mother a lazy smile. “Sure come on in.” Joyce and Willow filed in and Buffy wrinkled her brow. “Where’s Xander?” Willow let a huge grin play on her face. “He said he would wait for someone to come get him cause he wanted to make sure you weren’t gonna have the baby while he was in the room.” They all had a little laugh. Only Xander would do something like that.

As Spike left to get Xander, Joyce placed her hand on his arm to stop him. With a confused look on her face, she asked, “Is Buff alright, she seems a little…..” “Loopy” he finished for her. Joyce nodded her head. “Well, yeah now that you mention it.” Spike gave her a big smile and simply stated “Drugs.” Joyce gave him a knowing look and let him go fetch Xander.

Joyce crossed the room and sat in the chair next to her bed. Taking her baby’s small hand in hers, she asked, “How are you holding up so far?”

Buffy gave her mom another lazy smile. “Right now I feel pretty good, but ask me later when the drugs start to wear off.”

Willow looked at Buffy and asked, “So are you going to try natural birth or go with the epidural?”

Buffy turned and looked at Willow with a look that said ‘are you kidding me?’. “Well Willow when you’re gonna have to push out something the size of a watermelon, you can give yourself options because as far as I’m concerned that subject isn’t up for debate. I’m for the drugs all the way,” she told her friend matter of factly.

Willow and Joyce both got a good laugh out of the fact that the pregnant blonde was willing to beg, steal, and borrow to make sure she didn’t have to feel a thing. Just as they were getting into their conversation, the door opened and in walked Spike and a ghostly pale Xander.


Spike went straight over to his wife while Xander hung back for a moment. Xander had made the mistake of actually watching the birthing video in health class. Something’s your mind just never lets you forget. Timidly he approached the foot of Buffy’s bed. He looked at Buffy with a petrified look on his face. “So Buffster, you’re not gonna have the baby while I’m standing down here are you?”

Buffy let out a giggle. “No Xander, I promise not to have the baby while you’re standing down there, unless I can’t help it that is,” she said playfully.

Xander automatically brought himself to stand next to her head. Once everyone got a good laugh at his expense, they all fell into light conversation. They were suddenly interrupted by Nurse Betty. “I’m afraid I’m gonna have to break up the party so I can check on my patient,” she said jokingly.

Joyce, Xander, and Willow gave the blonde couple a hug before filing out the door to go wait in the lobby for Giles.

Nurse Betty went to the sink and washed her hands before walking over to Buffy’s bedside. “So how are we feeling Buffy? Is your little cocktail starting to wear off yet?”

Just as Buffy was about to open her mouth to say she felt fine, a small pain stuck her in her side. Giving the nurse a slight glare, she said, “Well of course since you had to ask, I’m starting to feel some of the pain again.”

The nurse laughed and shook her head. “Well let me check and see how far along you are, and maybe we can call Dr. Porter down for your epidural.” Reaching under the covers, she felt Buffy’s cervix to check her dilation. With a pleased look, she removed her gloves and looked at the expectant mother to be. “Well you’re effaced to 6 cm, so I’ll go ahead and give him a call. He should be down within the hour, so just sit tight and try to relax.” Buffy gave her a grateful smile and Nurse Betty went to make the call to the anesthesiologist.

After the nurse was gone, Buffy turned to look at Spike. “Well this is it, no turning back now. We’re gonna be parents.” Her voice was full of excitement.

Spike leaned in and placed a firm kiss to her lips. “And there is no one I would rather do this with than you. God Buffy, I love you so much.” With that being said, he gave her another kiss to her lips. When the kiss started to deepen slightly, Buffy pulled away in pain. Gritting her teeth, she hissed and took a deep breath through her nose and waited for the pain to subside.

Spike felt her tense and pulled back as if he had been burned when she hissed out in pain. Not knowing what to do, he just stared at her. When he saw her physically relax, he brushed the damp hair from her brow and asked softly, “Another contraction luv?”

Buffy gave him a weary smile. “Yep, all I know is that Dr. Porter better get his ass down here soon otherwise I’m likely to go to him.”

Spike kissed her forehead. “You’re doing great luv. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

Forty-five minutes later a thoroughly pissed off pregnant woman laid there cursing anyone who was not feeling the pain she was in. Spike sat by his wife’s bedside rubbing her back and trying to make her as comfortable as possible. They had even tried a warm shower to help with the contractions, but it failed miserably. Just when Spike was ready to hunt down someone to take his wife out of her pain, the door opened and in walked the chipper anesthesiologist.

“Hello, my name is Dr. Porter, but you can call me Ben. I think there is someone here who would like an epidural?”

Spike glared at the overly enthusiastic man. “Where the Bloody hell have you been? She’s been sufferin’ here for almost an hour.” He didn’t even try to hide his anger.

Ben looked over to Spike and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but it sometimes takes awhile to get everything ordered.” He kept his voice calm and even so he wouldn’t further irritate the blonde man in front of him.

Spike simply gave him a curt nod and turned his attention back to Buffy. Looking down he saw relief on his wife’s face. Leaning over he kissed her lips softly. “Alright luv, I’m gonna be here the whole time holding your hand.”

Buffy smiled at him gratefully. Spike had been absolutely wonderful through out the whole thing. Even when she had yelled at him and called him awful things he had simply told her he loved her and that it would all be over soon. Taking his hand in hers, she gave it an affectionate squeeze.

Ben brought his chart over to the bedside and began to explain the procedure. “Alright Buffy, I’m gonna need you to stand next to the bed and bend over as much as you can. When the monitor shows you’re in a contraction, I’ll insert the needle. You might feel a slight burning sensation, but you have to stay as still as possible. Do you have any questions?”

Spike was the first to speak. “What happens if she moves?” he asked with concern.


“Well the less she moves the better. If she moves too much there’s a chance of the needle damaging a nerve. I know it sounds dangerous, but I have been doing this for a few years now, and they have all been successful.” He told him reassuringly.

Spike turned to Buffy. “Kitten, are you sure you want to do this?”

Buffy looked at him with pain filled eyes. “Spike it’ll be fine, besides if I try this naturally, I’ll probably never let you touch me again.”

Ben had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. If he had a nickel for every time he had heard a wife threaten her husband with that, he would never have had to go into medicine.

Spike looked back to Ben and said, “Ready when you are mate.”

Ben and Spike helped Buffy out of bed and into a comfortable position for the procedure. Once everyone was in position, they waited for the contraction to start. After a minute the lines on the monitor began to peak and Ben got ready to insert the needle.

Spike made sure he never let his eyes leave hers, whispering soothing words in her ear the whole time. When he heard her hiss, he kept repeating how much he loved her and telling her how proud he was of her. After a few minutes, they heard Ben’s voice. “All done. Buffy you did great.”

Spike helped her back in bed and made sure she was comfortable. Ben assured them that everything went smoothly and made sure her IV was hooked up and ready to go. Congratulating them both on parenthood, he slipped out the door and left.

Spike sat next to Buffy on the bed and ran his fingers through her hair. “You should try and get some rest luv, you’re gonna need all the strength you can get for when it comes time to push.”

Buffy gave him a warm smile and closed her eyes. Letting sleep take over, she let her mind wander off with her last thoughts being that when she woke up she would be bringing their baby into the world.


TBC


Thanks to stace, Blazing Fire, Brittany, lacey, blondiebear, shelly, Sevvy_O, baby spikes, gypsy_jin, and Becky for the awsome reviews. I know I sound like a broken record, but I really appreciate them! Kuddos!

Oh, and you will finally get to meet the newest addition to the Giles family in the next chapter!

Buffy slept off and on for the next few hours. It was hard to get any real kind of sleep with someone coming to check your cervix every hour or so. Buffy heard voices in the room and slowly began to stir. She saw Spike standing on the other side of the room talking with the nurse and her family doctor, Dr. Olsen.

Spike was chatting with the good doctor when he noticed out of the corner of his eye that his princess was beginning to wake up. Turning to her, he smiled. “Get a good nap luv?”

Buffy yawned. “Well for the most part, but it’s hard when someone’s constantly waking you up.”

Nurse Betty walked over to her bedside. “Sorry, but I’m afraid it’s a necessary evil. But the good news is that you’re fully effaced, so we can start pushing soon.”

Buffy sat upright in the bed and felt a sudden pressure between her thighs. Looking up at the nurse with wide-eyes and she said, “I think you’re right, I feel like I have something wedged between my legs.”

The nurse smiled at her reassuringly. “Buffy that’s completely normal. The baby has made its way to the birth canal. Because of the epidural, you should just feel pressure.”

Dr. Olsen came to the bedside. “Well hello Buffy, it’s good to see you again.” Buffy smiled at him. “Well I think it’s time we get your husband here in some scrubs so we can get ready to have this baby,” he said cheerfully. Turning to the nurse, he continued, “Betty, why don’t you take William here to get ready while I prep Buffy?” Nurse Betty ushered Spike out the door and down the hall. When the door was closed, Dr. Olsen brought his attention back to Buffy.

“Alright Buffy, lets sit the bed up so we can make sure you are as comfortable as possible.” Taking the remote for the bed, he raised it to a full sitting position.

Buffy adjusted herself in the bed and looked at the doctor with nervous eyes. “Dr. Olsen, I’m not sure if I can do this. What if I can’t push the baby out?” She had heard horror stories of babies getting stuck and the doctors having to cut them out.

Dr. Olsen patted her leg. “Buffy don’t worry. I have taken all things into consideration. You should be more than able to give birth naturally. If I see any complications what so ever, we’ll do a cesarean birth.”

Buffy let out a sigh of relief. She was more than satisfied the he had taken the time to think of everything. Once Dr, Olsen had her ready to go, Spike and Nurse Betty walked in. Buffy had to bite back a giggle at the sight of Spike in scrubs. He looked like a kid playing dress up.

Spike returned to Buffy. Leaning down so he was eye level with her, he looked her deep in the eyes. “Okay kitten, this is it. When this is all over we’re gonna have the most beautiful baby that Sunnydale has ever seen.” His voice was thick with emotion.

Buffy gave him a watery smile and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Let’s do this,” she told him as confidently as she could.

Dr. Olsen took position between her thighs and started giving instructions. “Okay now William, I need you to take Buffy’s leg and bring it up as far to her chest as you can just like Betty has.” Spike looked over at the nurse on the other side and mirrored her position. “Good, now Buffy on my count I want you to take a deep breath and push down and hold it till I tell you to release.”

Buffy nodded her head and tried not to let her nerves get the better of her. When everyone was in position and ready to go the doctor began.

“Deep breath, now push.”

With a grunt, she bared down as hard as she could while the nurse kept count for her. She felt this unbelievable pressure between her legs, but it wasn’t exactly painful. When she was starting to see stars behind her eyes, she heard Dr. Olsen’s soothing voice.

“Good, now release.”

Buffy pushed for what felt like forever. Hours passed and she felt completely drained. She looked over at Spike with tired eyes. “I don’t think I can push anymore,”

Spike wiped the sweat from her brow and stroked her cheek. “Come on kitten, you’re almost there. You are doing great.” He told her proudly.

Buffy looked to Dr. Olsen with pleading eyes. “Dr. Olsen I don’t know how much longer I can last, please tell me it’s soon.”

Dr. Olsen smiled at her. “Soon Buffy, I just need you to give me a few more good pushes.”

Buffy felt a new wave of energy course through her and nodded her head with determination.

Dr. Olsen gave his instructions. “On my count, one, two, three, push…..”

Buffy pushed as hard as she could. “ARGHHHHHHH”

“Again, push”

Buffy squeezed the hands holding hers and pushed “AHHHHHHHHHHHHH” taking a deep breath she prepared herself again.

“Alright Buffy one last push and your baby will be here.”

At those words, Buffy gave it her all and pushed with everything she had in her. “AGHHHHHH SPIKE!”

Spike held her hand tight and talked in her ear. “Almost there luv, you can do it!”

Then the room was filled with the sweetest sound Buffy had ever heard, the cries of her newborn child. She collapsed back on the bed and cried happy tears.

At the sound if his baby’s cries, Spike felt hot tears course down his cheeks. This was the best moment of his life. He was a father. Leaning down he kissed his wife’s sweat soaked brow. “You did it luv.” Buffy looked up at him with exhausted eyes and whispered, “No, we did it.”

Dr. Olsen held up the baby for the proud parents and exclaimed, “Congratulations, it’s a girl!”

Buffy and Spike held each other as tears ran down their faces. They were the proud parents of a healthy baby girl.

Dr. Olsen looked over and asked Spike, “Dad would you like to cut the cord?” Spike looked at him with awe-filled eyes. Walking over he took the offered scissors in his hand and clamped down tightly. When he felt them give, he stared at the face of his screaming baby with teary eyes. She was absolutely beautiful.

The Nurse took the baby, cleaned, and weighed her so she could hand her over to her mom and dad. Walking over to Buffy’s bedside, she placed the baby in her mother’s awaiting arms.

Buffy had to blink back her tears to get a good look at her daughter. She was the most gorgeous thing she had ever seen. She had soft blonde hair and the most angelic face she had ever seen. “Well hey there little one, you finally decided to come out so we could see you, huh. You are the prettiest baby in the whole world, yes you are.” She cooed at her now sleeping daughter. Looking up at Spike, she asked, “Want to hold her?”

Spike looked at her with awe-filled eyes. Carefully he accepted the baby from his wife. He snuggled her in his arms as he looked down on her adoringly. “Well ‘ello bit, I’m your da’. I’ve been waitn’ for some time now to hold you in m’ arms.” At the sound of his voice, the small baby opened her eyes slightly and yawned. Spike felt his heart swell. She had his eyes. “Oh, that’s a big yawn you got there. Well I bet you’re a bit knackered from your big trip into this world aren’t you.” His voice was whisper soft. He had never loved anything so fast in his whole life. The nurse walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Dad why don’t you and baby come with me to the nursery and as soon as we get mom settled you can take your little one up.”

Spike placed one last kiss to Buffy’s brow and followed the nurse out the door.

Buffy watched as her husband and new baby girl walked out the door. She closed her eyes and tried not to concentrate too much on the doctor that was stitching her up.


Spike followed the nurse down the hall to the nursery. Since it was so late, no one was in the halls. Once inside, Nurse Betty took the sleeping baby from his arms and set her in a small bed. Spike couldn’t get enough of the sleeping baby. It was an absolute miracle to him that this tiny person had been snuggled securely inside of his wife. Looking at the nurse, he asked, “How much does she weigh?”

“She’s 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 ½ inches long.” The nurse replied. Spike smiled proudly. “I’ll be right back; I want to let our family know the good news.” The nurse smiled and nodded her head as the young man flew out the door.

Spike ran through the hall and into the lobby. With a huge grin on his face, he shouted, “It’s a Girl!”

Joyce, Giles, Xander, and Willow all about jumped out of their skin at the sound of someone shouting. All eyes snapping toward the voice they heard “It’s a Girl!” They all jumped up and ran over to the euphoric man standing by the door. They all hugged and exchanged words of congratulations.

Joyce grabbed Spike and pulled him into a hug, in a watery voice she said, “Hey there Daddy, you two did it!” Spike pulled back and smiled at her through his tears. “Oh Joyce you should see her, she’s absolutely gorgeous. She has these little tiny fingers and the cutest little button nose you’ve ever seen,” he boasted proudly.

Anxiously Spike let everyone know that they could come to the nursery window and see her. Hurriedly, they followed Spike to the big glass window to get their first look at the newest member of the Giles family. Once outside the window, everyone let out gasps and awes over the sleeping bundle.

“She is da sweetest baby ever,” Willow said in a baby voice.

“Oh look at my perfect little granddaughter, you are the most precious thing, yes you are.” Joyce cooed as tears ran down her cheeks.

The men hung back a little and let the women press against the glass and make faces and noises at the baby.

Xander took Spike in a masculine hug. “Congrats man! She really is a doll.”

Spike returned the hug and replied “Thanks Xand,” puling away he gave him a smirk. “Now it’s your turn.”

Xander shook his head defiantly. “Uh uh, that’s all you buddy, no babies for Xander for at least a few more years.” Willow chose that time to walk up. “But look at her she’s so cute,” she half whined half cooed. Xander looked over at Spike with a look, “Great, now look what you’ve done, before you know it we’ll be up to our ears in babypalooza.”

Spike just laughed as Xander was being dragged back to the window to get another look at the baby. Spike looked over at his father who had a look of pride on his face. Smirking he asked, “What’s with the ‘I’m the man’ look.”

Giles turned to his son. “William this is truly a proud moment for me. You have gone from a boy to a fine young man. You are now a father and you to will see the joys and the heartache that this will bring you in life; I just pray that you cherish every moment, the good and the bad,” he said lovingly.

Spike fought back the tears that were stinging his eyes from his father’s sentiment. Looking at his father, he gave him a proud smile. “Well I think I will since I had such a good example to go on.”

Giles felt tears run down his cheeks at his son’s admission. Pulling him to him, he wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace. “William, I love you son.”

Spike returned the hug and choked out, “I love you too Da’.”

After everyone had gawked over the baby, Spike told them that he was going to take the baby on up and for them to meet him in Buffy’s room in about thirty minutes.

Understanding that the new family wanted sometime alone before everyone barged in, they all agreed and went to get their things before meeting in Buffy’s room.


Spike slowly opened the door and saw his wife resting peacefully. Careful not to wake her, he rolled in his daughter’s bed and parked it next to Buffy. Taking the small bundle out, he began to walk around the room as he talked to her. “Look bit, your mum’s fast asleep, wore her out you did. But that’s okay, I’ll keep you company till she wakes up, we just have to be real quiet s’all.” As soon as the words left his mouth, the small baby began to whimper. “Come now bit, thought we just talked about this.”

Buffy heard a small whimper and slowly opened her eyes. She looked over to see Spike trying to convince his daughter to not cry. Letting out a chuckle she spoke up, “She’s probably hungry.”

Spike turned to the now awake woman in the bed. Smiling brightly he walked over to her. “Hey luv. I tried to make a deal with little bit here to let you sleep a little longer, but she just wasn’t havin’ it.”

Buffy smiled and held her arms out for her daughter. Spike placed the fussy baby in her arms and watched them adoringly. There they were, his two favorite girls.

Buffy nestled the baby in her arms. Instinctively, the baby nudged her head against Buffy’s swollen breast. Buffy felt a slight burning sensation in her chest and looked down at her daughter. “Is someone hungry?” When her daughter began to fuss more and nudge her harder, she took that as a yes.

Reaching up, she unclasped the shoulder of her gown and exposed her swollen breast. Carefully she brought it to her baby’s mouth and coaxed her to open her mouth. The baby took Buffy’s nipple and began to suckle furiously. Buffy felt like every draw was coming from between her thighs. She breathed heavy as her uterus began to contract. Once the suckling slowed down, Buffy relaxed, watching her daughter feed.

Spike watched as Buffy exposed her breast and brought it to his daughter’s mouth. There was nothing erotic about what he saw; in fact, it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. Coming to sit next to her on the bed, he placed a kiss to her temple and stared down at his daughter. “This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” Turning his attention to Buffy, he continued. “Buffy, you were amazing today. I’m so proud of you. You have made me the happiest man alive,” he said as tears ran down his face.

Buffy wiped the tears from his eyes and placed a kiss to his lips. “Well, I didn’t do this alone. You stood by me the whole time, never once did you leave me. I couldn’t have done this without you William. I will love you from now until the end of time for giving me my most precious gift.” Her voice was full of love and devotion. There was no other way for her to express her gratitude to her wonderful husband.

Spike was at a loss for words. No one had ever said anything remotely close to what his wife had just expressed. Smiling madly, he pressed a firm kiss to her lips, but was soon interrupted by the fussing of the small baby in Buffy’s arms.

Buffy clasped her gown and placed her daughter on her shoulder to burp. Once a small burp escaped, she switched sides and offered her other breast to the still hungry baby. Once she noticed the baby was asleep, she covered herself and handed the baby to Spike. “Here you can burp her this time.”

Spike looked at her with panicked eyes. Buffy just chuckled and gave him instructions. “Place her up on her shoulder and pat her on the lower back softly.”

Spike did as he was told and slowly began to pat her back. After a minute, he heard a small burp and then something warm run down his shoulder.

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh at the look on his face. “I take it all that passing her back and forth didn’t sit too well with her tummy.”

Spike passed the baby back to her mother and studied his shirt. “S’all right, not my clothes anyways. I guess it’s safe to say that I’ve been christened.”

Buffy gave him a sly smile. “Nope, not until she’s peed on you.”

Spike gave Buffy a petrified look. Buffy laughed out loud and shook her head. Just then, Giles and Joyce walked in with balloons and flowers.

Buffy and Spike both smiled at them brightly. Joyce came over to the bedside and gazed at her granddaughter. “Oh, you’re even more beautiful up close. Oh Buffy, can I hold her?” Buffy handed over the now sleeping baby to her mother.

Joyce slowly began to rock her in her arms as she walked over to Giles.

Spike noticed the slight rocking motion of Joyce’s arms. “I wouldn’t jostle her too much if I were you.” He warned playfully as he gestured to his shoulder.

Joyce and Giles both laughed as they admired the baby. Giles looked over to Spike and Buffy sitting on the bed. “She is quite remarkable. She reminds me of William as child.”

Buffy squeezed Spike’s hand. “She even has his eyes.”

Joyce shook her head. “But I see a lot of Buffy in her too. That is the same nose that Buffy had when she was born.”

Buffy looked at her mother horrified. “Don’t say that, I don’t want her to have my nose.”

Spike chuckled and tweaked the end of her nose. “You have a gorgeous nose luv.” Buffy rolled her eyes and gave him a ‘yeah right’ look. Then looking back at their parents, she noticed some people were missing. “Where’s Willow and Xander?”

Joyce absently answered her daughter as she fussed over the baby in her arms. “Oh they had to get going, something about ‘extra time’. Really, I have no clue what they were talking about, but they left in a hurry.”

Buffy and Spike looked at each other and exchanged knowing glances, then both let out a sigh knowing it would be a long time before they would have ‘extra time’ together.

Giles noticed the look being exchanged between his son and daughter-n-law and knew exactly what the hasty departure was about. Cleaning his glasses, he changed the subject. “So have you two decided on a name?”

Buffy sat there as two pairs of expectant eyes watched her. She turned to look at Spike. “I was thinking of calling her Lillian Joyce, after both our mothers.”

Spike felt fresh tears burn his eyes. “I think its perfect Luv.” They both turned to see their parents’ reaction.

Joyce and Giles smiled at their children with watery eyes. Joyce was the first to say something. “I think it would be an honor for you to give her my name,” she said proudly as she returned her attention back to the baby.

Giles wiped the tears from his eyes. “I can’t think of a more perfect name. Lily would be so proud to share her name with this perfect child.” He knew his late wife was smiling down from heaven on them right now.

Buffy and Spike watched as their parents doted over Lily. They had never seen so much love in their parents’ eyes as they did right then.

Giles took the small baby from Joyce’s arms and held proudly in his arms. “Welcome to the world Lily, it is now a truly wonderful place now that you’re in it.”



TBC



Thanks to Melly, Sevvy_O, gypsy_jin, Seraiza, Pam, Blazing Fire, Brittany, blondiebear, Brat, lacey, stace, Lily, Becky, BuffyandSpikeForever, and to anyone else that reviewed my fic. You guys are absolutley beautiful! Kuddos!

Buffy stood in front of the mirror pulling her hair into a loose ponytail. Today was the day they would take Lily home. It still amazed her that she was a mother. Walking out of the bathroom, she looked over the room to make sure she had all her things together so she would be ready to leave when Spike got there.

Hearing the tell tale signs of her hungry daughter; she walked over to the small crib and picked up the fussy baby. “Hey gorgeous, is someone getting hungry?”

Lily nudged against her full breast in response and whimpered softly. Buffy settled herself on the bed and exposed her breast to her daughter’s waiting mouth. Once she had fully latched on, Buffy closed her eyes and embraced the bond between mother and daughter. Just as Lily was done nursing, Buffy heard a soft knock at the door.

Spike made sure he got up early that morning so he could hurry up and get to his wife and daughter. He had a spring in his step at the thought of finally getting to bring them home. The last two days had been hard for him. This was the first time since he and Buffy had been married that he hadn’t shared a bed with her, so he was more than anxious to get her home. Making sure everything was ready; he grabbed the car seat and headed out the door.

Buffy smiled brightly at her husband as he walked in the room with a car seat in hand. It was almost comical to see Spike ‘Mr. I’m the big bad’ carrying a baby seat. Biting back a chuckle she teased playfully, “Oh, how cute are you with the wittle car seat.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “I’ll have you know that babies are a chick magnet, thank you very much,” he replied indignantly.

Buffy let out a full laugh. “You keep telling yourself that.”

Spike set down the seat and walked over to the bed. Placing a kiss on both his girls’ foreheads, he sat down beside Buffy. “So you two ready to go home?”

Buffy handed Lily to him and stood up gingerly. “More than ready. What about you Daddy, you ready to take us home?”

Spike gazed at the now fast asleep baby in his arms. “Oh yeah, I didn’t sleep a wink last night I was so excited about today.”

Buffy ran her fingers through his soft curls. “Well then let’s get Miss Lily in her car seat and let the nurses know we’re ready to go home.

Once all the paper work was signed, Nurse Betty brought a wheelchair, totally against Buffy’s will, and escorted them to the door.

Spike carried flowers, balloons and Buffy’s bag in one hand and toted Lily’s seat in the other. Having left his car in the loading zone, he placed his special cargo in the backseat and helped Buffy slide in next to her. Waving goodbye to the hospital staff that walked them out, they drove off to their house where family and friends were awaiting them.

Buffy had to smile at her husband’s over cautiousness. What should have only been about a ten-minute drive took over twenty minutes. People on bikes seemed to be passing them. When they finally pulled into the driveway of their small house, Buffy looked at Spike in the rearview mirror with surprise. There was a sign hanging from the porch that said, “Welcome home Buffy and Lily’ and pink and yellow balloons had been tied to the mailbox.

Spike flashed her a cheeky grin and got out of the car. Opening Buffy’s door, he helped her out of the car. “Just a little something, but the real surprise is inside.” Buffy gave him a watery smile and kissed him firmly on the lips. “Oh Spike, it’s beautiful.” Her emotions were still on overload from hormones.

Spike carefully got Lily out of the car and decided to come back for the other things later. Taking Buffy’s hand in his he led her to the house. Opening the door, he looked over to watch her reaction.

Buffy felt fresh tears fall down her cheeks. In the living room were all her friends and family waiting to greet them. There were balloons and a big streamer hanging across the room that said ‘It’s a Girl’. Buffy could see presents stacked on the dining room table in shiny paper and gift bags and a small cake with congratulations written on it. Turning to Spike, she smiled brightly and mouthed ‘thank you’.

Spike couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face at Buffy’s awe-filled face. He had arranged for Joyce and Willow to come over and get things ready while he went to pick up Buffy and Lily, and he now knew it was well worth it. When his wife turned to him with her dazzling smile and thanked him, it made his heart swell with pride. Placing a soft kiss to her lips, he ushered her inside so she could enjoy the festivities.

Everyone took turns holding and cooing over the baby while Buffy and Spike opened gifts. They received all kinds of beautiful things. Willow and Xander bought Lily a gorgeous white christening gown since they had been asked to be her Godparents. Joyce and Giles went in together and bought her a bassinet for Buffy and Spike to put in their bedroom, because they both knew neither new parent was going to let that baby out of their sight. Faith and Lindsey’s gift was the one that surprised Buffy the most. It was a homemade quilt made of pieces of Buffy and Spike’s baby clothing. Buffy ran her fingers over the soft material. She saw different pieces of outfits she remembered seeing in pictures of her as a child. Looking up at Faith she asked, “How did you do this?”

Faith gave her a shy smile. “Well when I was pregnant with Sam, I learned how to sew. I got with Mom and Giles, and they gave me old clothes from when you guys were growing up.”

Buffy looked back down at the blanket. With a confused look on her face, she looked back to Faith. “The piece in the center…?”

Faith gave her a smirk, “Is a shirt from you guys now. I took one of your maternity shirts that you left at my house and then went to Giles’ when Will wasn’t home and found one that would match.”

Spikes eyes went wide. The shirt Faith had used was the green shirt he had taken from Buffy’s house the night he went to look for her. He ran his fingers over the worn material and smiled. Looking over at Faith, he said, “Thanks Faith, you have no idea how special it really is.”

Faith felt her cheeks flush as she realized all eyes where on her. “Don’t mention it Blondie, nothing but the best for my niece.”

Once gifts and cake were done, everyone decided to give the new parents some time alone to get settled. They all gave Lily a kiss goodbye and began to shuffle towards the door.

Buffy handed Lily off to Spike. “Sweetie I’m gonna walk everyone out.”

Spike gave her a quick kiss. “Alright luv, I’m just gonna give her nappy a change and lay her down.” Buffy nodded and followed her guests out the door.

Spike got up from the couch and headed to the nursery. Gathering all his supplies, he placed Lily on the changing table. Unsnapping her onesie, he went to his task at hand. “Alright then, just like they showed us at the hospital,” he said trying to jog his memory.

When he opened the diaper, Lily let out a cry. “M’sorry princess, I know that’s cold, but Daddy will be done in just a sec,” he told her apologetically. Quickly he wiped her bottom with a wet wipe and wrapped up the dirty diaper. Placing a fresh one under her small bottom, he sprinkled a little powder and fastened it up carefully as to not hurt her belly button. Taking a moment to admire his handy work, he fastened her onesie and scooped her in his arms. “There now princess, all better. How ‘bout you and me go lay down for a little nap, sound good?”

Spike took her in his and Buffy’s room and sat on the edge of the bed. Kicking off his shoes, he lay down, and settled Lily in the middle of his chest. Rubbing her back softly, he began to sing a soft lullaby.

“Close your eyes,
And goodnight
Go to sleep now my baby
Go to sleep
Go to sleep
Go to sleep and sweet dreams.”

When he felt the slow rise and fall of Lily’s back under his hand, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him over as well.

Buffy said her final goodbyes and went back into the house. Figuring Spike was still changing her diaper, she went back to Lily’s room. Just as she was about to walk in, she heard Spike’s voice in their room. Standing just outside the door, she felt hot tears run down her cheeks as she listened to him sing their daughter to sleep. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. Not wanting to disturb them just yet, she went to the living room and grabbed the quilt Faith made for Lily. When she got back to her room, she found both Lily and Spike fast asleep. Carefully she crossed the room and placed the quilt over them as she placed a soft kiss to both their heads. Taking a seat in the chair in the corner of the room, she curled up and watched them sleep peacefully. She smiled to herself realizing she had finally got her happily ever after.




Thanks to Melly, Sevvy_O, lacey, Brat, Seraiza, Brittany, stace, baby spikes, gypsy_jin, Lily, Mac, Becky, Alison, and BuffyandSpikeForever for the amazing reviews!




Epilouge

Two Years later

Buffy sat on the edge of her little girl’s toddler bed stroking her hair softly. “Alright now Lily it’s time for bed. You wanna hear a story?” Lily nodded her head as she yawned and rubbed her sleepy eyes. Buffy tucked the covers under her tiny arms and placed a kiss to her forehead as she began the story that she told Lily every night before she went to bed.

"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there was a beautiful princess named Elizabeth. Now Princess Elizabeth had everything she could ever want. She lived in her beautiful kingdom on the hill in the magical place called Sunnydale where she knew everyone and was liked by all.

One day Princess Elizabeth was out for a walk when she ran into her best friend Prince William, who was the most handsome prince in all the land. Princess Elizabeth had always had a secret crush on him but was too shy to say anything. They walked together and talked about how they both wanted to run away and find their own dreams and not have to live up to what their parents had planned for them. As the night grew dark, they both found they didn't want to go home, so they found a spot to lie and look at the stars.

They both drifted to sleep and awoke to the castle guards staring at them. Princess Elizabeth was swept away back to her castle where her Mother waited for her return. When Princess Elizabeth arrived, her Mother was very angry. She had found out that the Princess was alone with Prince William all night long and that she was secretly in love with him. So, to punish her she locked her daughter away in the tallest tower of a castle in a far off land away from Prince William.

Princess Elizabeth was heartbroken that she didn't get a chance to tell the Prince that she loved him or where she was. Princess Elizabeth sat in her tower day in and day out waiting patiently for the day that Prince William would come and rescue her from her prison.

After many months, Princess Elizabeth sat looking out her tower one day and noticed off in the distance her Prince on his white horse coming to rescue her.

When he approached the castle, he stormed the gates and slayed all who got in the way of him and the woman he loved.

Princess Elizabeth was overwhelmed with joy knowing that her Prince had finally come for her after all this time.

Prince William broke through the door and swept Princess Elizabeth off her feet, declaring his undying love for her. Carrying her down the tower steps he placed her on his horse and they rode off together into the sunset where they lived happily ever after.”

Buffy watched as Lily’s eyes fluttered closed and she snuggled deep into her covers. It still amazed her that it had already been two years since she had brought her baby girl into this world. Placing one last kiss to her forehead, she turned off the nightlight and left her room.

Spike stood outside Lily’s room listening to Buffy tell Lily her bedtime story. It was the same every night. It still to this day brought a smile to his face to hear Buffy tell Lily their story. They had gone through so much to get where they were today and still they got their happy ending.

Buffy got to the door and saw her husband standing there with a huge grin on his face. Pressing a finger to her lips, she shut the door behind her.

Spike came up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist. “Lily asleep?” he asked as he kissed her temple. Buffy nodded her head and intertwined her fingers with his.

Spike took their hands and rubbed her swollen middle. “And how’s my little man in there?”

Buffy let out a sigh of content. “He’s finally settled down and stopped kicking.”

Spike turned her in his arms so she was facing him. “Buffy I love you so much. I have everything I could ever want, a wife who loves me, a beautiful little girl, and now a little boy on the way. My life is absolutely perfect.” He said as he gazed deep in her eyes.

Buffy cupped his cheeks in her hands. “I love you too. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy you’ve made me.” This is what she had dreamed of for so long, and now it had finally come true.

He removed his arms from her waist, took her hand in his, and led them to their room. Once in bed, Spike spooned himself against her back and nuzzled her hair. “Buffy who would have imagined we would have ended up where we are right now.”

Buffy snuggled closer to him and let a smile play at her mouth. “I did. I always knew that one day my prince would come.”


The End



A/N Keep an eye out for me, I plan on posting a new fic when my beta comes back from vacation at the end of the month. Hope to see all of you then! KUddos